Mixed Matches

Reviews / Votes

"This rich volume will be useful to scholars researching and teaching a range of topics, from German history and the history of sexuality, to religious and legal studies." * Central European History



"This volume is exemplary regarding structure, coherence, and originality." * Werkstatt Geschichte



"A seminal anthology of original work and research, Mixed Matches is a valued and highly recommended addition to personal and academic library Germany History & Culture reference collections and supplemental studies reading lists." * Midwest Book Review



"The essays in this groundbreaking volume explore discourses and practices surrounding a wide variety of transgressive unions in early modern Germany, including those that challenged boundaries of confession, rank, race, honor, sexual morality (e.g., the incest 'taboo'), and, in the case of bigamy, the institution of marriage itself. Taken together, they provide fascinating new insight into the shifting understandings of marriage and sexual union in the years 1500-1800 while highlighting the public dimensions of private intimacy throughout this era." * George Williamson, Florida State University



"This collection of essays implicitly addresses the adage that 'every rule is made to be broken.' Each author takes up a category of departure-shall I say deviance?-from the norms governing moral behavior in early modern Germany, an age allegedly rigidly devoted to order and discipline. The topics run from bigamy through ex-nuns' marriage, marital class and racial differences, spousal adherence to opposing faiths, and incest. These studies all embody significant primary research and are of uniformly high quality. Collectively they illuminate not only specific acts of nonconformity but the standards themselves." * Susan C. Karant-Nunn, University of Arizona