>I am trying to assemble a small paper on the facts behind the
>stories/legends/myths/recycled gossip that circulate on the subject of
>chastity belts. However, I am finding it almost impossible to find any
>primary or reliable secondary information on the subject. This may well
>be because I'm in Australia, which would explain the lack of primary
>info, but I can't find *anything* beyond salacious stories, bad jokes and
>allegorical cartoons.
 
 
 As far as I can establish, the damned things never
>existed - which will make the paper a very small one indeed!
 
Not necessarily!  I think an excellent study could be accomplished if you
center on the question of just why so many people are interested in the
concept of the chastity belt and why legends concerning their use have
fascinated many people in many parts of the world for centuries.  Also, you
might try to discover to what extent the stories about the belts and their
use involve modern cultural values and attitudes projected backward onto
the culture of the middle ages.  There will also not doubt be interesting
issues related to gender studies involved in men's vs. women's ideas
concerning the belts.  I'd like to read a study such as this, and I hope
that you will continue your investigation even if it appears that the belts
were not widely used (or never existed).  Something must account for the
large number of inquiries you report!
 
Good luck!
 
Chris
******************************************************************************
Christopher D. Geist                        Phone: (419)372-2981
Chair, Department of Popular Culture        FAX:   (419)372-2577
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OH  43403                    E-Mail:  [log in to unmask]