Does the historical record of pre-modern Europe contain evidence of formal, religiously sanctioned unions between individuals of the same sex? John Boswell, a distinguished historian of medieval studies, utilizes an extensive array of primary source documents, including liturgical texts and ecclesiastical records, to argue that such unions were recognized and celebrated within early Christian traditions. His framework challenges contemporary assumptions regarding the historical exclusivity of heterosexual marriage by presenting a nuanced analysis of social and religious practices across centuries.

This work is regarded as a significant, albeit debated, contribution to the field of medieval social history and queer studies. The text provides a dense, academic exploration of religious history that remains a foundational reference for scholars examining the intersection of faith and human relationships.