The Image of Man

The stereotype of masculinity embraces many qualities. To be manly one must be brave, daring, and cool under fire. A man must be physically strong - tough, skilful, dexterous. And one must also be honourable, honest, and courteous. A man must not complain. A man must not lose control of his emotions. A man must not cry. Even today, many men would accept these qualities as defining masculinity. But how did our idea of manliness evolve? How long have these qualities been the norm? And will they continue to be our basic image of man?

In The Image of Man, noted historian George L. Mosse provides the first historical account of the masculine stereotype in modern Western culture. He reveals how stresses on physical beauty, courage, moral restraint, and a strong will originated in the tumultuous social changes of the eighteenth century, and describes how the manly ideal manifested itself in England and on the continent. The important role of women and the so called `unmanly men' from Jews to homosexuals in maintaining the stereotype are also examined, as well as the possible erosion of the stereotype in our own time.