"Kann's latest tour de force explores the ambivalence, during the founding of our nation, about whether political freedom should augur sexual freedom. Tracing the roots of patriarchal sexual repression back to revolutionary America, Kann asks highly contemporary questions about the boundaries between public and private life, suggesting, provocatively, that political and sexual freedom should go hand in hand. This is a must-read for those interested in the interwining of politics, public life, and sexuality."-Ben Agger,University of Texas at Arlington "...Provocative and compelling...Kann's work is a must-read for both specialists and those looking for an introduction to issues of sex, law, and the state. Kann's analysis of the theoretical and legal basis upon which the state policed sex is sophisticated and nuanced in a way that rewards close reading. His thesis is convincing, and Kann draws from an impressive array of secondary works...a feat."-Katie Hemphill, Commonplace Review "The author expertly incorporates the recent historiography of antebellum sexuality into his analysis. In fact, the major strength of Taming Passion for Public Good is Kann's cogent discussion of monographs by Clare Lyons, Richard Godbeer, Helen Lefkowitz, and other scholars."-Journal of Social History "...very clear, well organized..."-Elizabeth H. Pleck,Law and History Review "As many scholars have identified the American Revolution as a deathblow to patriarchy, such an attempt at restoring it would seem futile. In Taming Passion for the Public Good...Mark E. Kann effectively demonstrates that officials successfully portrayed themselves as caring paternalists whose authority was `necessary to achieve and secure the perpetuation of liberalism.'"-Journal of American Culture "Kann evaluates the politics of sex in seven thematically arranged chapters centered on five questions regarding the authority of elites; the abuses of blatant favoritism, a typical situation is thus: whether in admission to an academically selective college, in selecting candidates for judgeship or cabinet appointment, in being hired as a CEO, or in choosing an award-winning book, the social fact is that often most applicants are qualified, perhaps highly qualified. The corollary is that even talented people can be left out in high-stakes competition. That may not be the way of the world, but as Kann's excellent book documents, it is the American way."-The Journal of Southern History "Mark E. Kann's latest book provides important insights into the creation of patriarchy and of sexual morality in the Early Republic. Kann deftly engages with the contradictions and dilemmas posed by new freedoms for men and women unleashed by the Revolution conflicting with an emerging patriarchy that sought social control and moral order. Kann's book is a vital and stimulating contribution to our understanding of gender and masculinity in the Early Republic."-Kevin White,University of Sussex
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