latest library trip: the haul

[anotheranon]

Biological Exuberance - I've actually had it out for awhile, but today is the first chance I've had to sit down with it. I don't think I'll read it all the way through though - given the subject matter (homosexual/non reproductive sexual behavior in animals), it is surprisingly dry, written in a style that emphasizes quantitative data and observations ("same-sex pair bonding has been witnessed in japanese macaques, arctic terns, etc. etc. etc....", "walruses have been seen engaging in mutual masturbation (same and opposite sex) on n occasions" etc.). Still, it's a fun book to fling at anyone who dares suggest that anything other than vanilla het sex is in any way "unnatural" (if only because it's a 700something page book, and will hurt them quite a lot :P)

Tipping the Velvet - jlsjlsjls and others have much enthused about the miniseries, but given that BBC America is being remarkably elusive regarding any re-airings, I'm starting with the book instead :P

Continuing the pirate theme with Women Sailors and Sailor's Women and She Captains - the former is by the same guy who wrote "Under the Black Flag" (just finished today, which is good, as it was due); I'm guessing it's an expansion on the Ann Bonny/Mary Read chapter. The latter was recommended by wendyzski. Haven't had a chance to really look at either yet.

And I did finish both "Under the Black Flag" and "Introvert Advantage". The first was a fairly good (and readable) introduction to the realities of piracy in the western world. The latter was.. it was so descriptive of me it was startling! If you ever want to understand any of my eccentricities/idiotisms, this will explain it all. It also contained a lot of tips for not letting the extroverted majority railroad me!

Nuff for now. I have to go move some laundry over and get some sleep.

Comments

[wendyzski.livejournal.com]

Still, it's a fun book to fling at anyone who dares suggest that anything other than vanilla het sex is in any way "unnatural" (if only because it's a 700something page book, and will hurt them quite a lot :P)

I think I had a similar underlying reason for getting "Homosexuality and Civilization" (Louis Compton). At 626 pages, it would make a nifty club! The fact that it's quite a serious overview of of various cultures at various times viewed the idea of homosexuality was a bonus.

[jlsjlsjls.livejournal.com]

A good library treasure haul is so uplifting!!!!! :-)))

Re: "Tipping the Velvet" ... I've gathered that the American broadcast WAS censored (they cut, of ALL things, the scene where one of the characters explains the term "tipping the velvet" ***rolls eyes***), so getting hands on the DVD is recommended ('cause you GOTTA see that scene ... it's so cute ***grin***)

[jlsjlsjls.livejournal.com]

Read that a couple of months ago ... MARVELOUS book!!!! :-)

[wendyzski.livejournal.com]

I particularly liked the analysis of at what point in history the "great sin" that destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah changed over from being ungenerous bad neighbors to being homosexuals.

[tommdroid.livejournal.com]

Still, it's a fun book to fling at anyone who dares suggest that anything other than vanilla het sex is in any way "unnatural" (if only because it's a 700something page book, and will hurt them quite a lot :P)

now, most likely I consider that a good thing. ;)

[flummoxicated.livejournal.com]

Netflix should be sending me the dvd of Tipping the Velvet any day now!

[jlsjlsjls.livejournal.com]

Different interpretations of the Bible (plus the deliberate changing of words/meanings in different translations) through history ARE a great education in societal (and personal) prejudices, beliefs and attitudes, aren't they? :P

[anotheranon.livejournal.com]

Maybe I ought to consider re-activating my Blockbuster's card - though I've heard that they strategically edit sometimes too >:(

[jlsjlsjls.livejournal.com]

The scene does not involves nudity or bad language (it's 30 seconds of giggly cuteness, for pete's sake!), so there's good odds that the rental version will be intact (the broadcast censoring of that bit makes absolutely no sense, considering all the scenes they left IN!!!!)