The Plague of Lust, Vol. 1 (of 2) Being a History of Venereal Disease in Classical Antiquity

A meticulous survey of ancient medicine, this volume traces the presence of sexually transmitted ailments across Greece, Rome, and beyond, drawing on an astonishing range of sources from well‑known philosophers to obscure erotic poets. The author assembles countless quotations, footnotes, and fragments to argue that these diseases pre‑dated the medieval era, challenging the notion that they arrived from the New World. Readers receive a clear picture of how early societies identified symptoms, interpreted them in mythic and religious terms, and attempted treatments with the limited knowledge of the time.

Beyond the clinical details, the work explores the cultural backdrop of the “cult of Venus,” the role of brothels, and the language of sexuality in legal and moral codes. Its exhaustive reference material makes it a valuable tool for historians, medical scholars, and anyone curious about how ancient peoples understood and lived with these persistent health issues. The careful translation preserves the original’s scholarly tone while remaining accessible to modern listeners.