Free and Natural

This book offers a thorough cultural history of nudity, examining its ties to nature and identity in American society, particularly in Free and Natural.

In Free and Natural, Sarah Schrank delves into the intricate relationship between nudity, nature, and the evolving cultural landscape of America. The book examines how contemporary society has fostered a connection between nudity and concepts of wellness, liberation, and authenticity, particularly among predominantly white, middle-class individuals. This exploration reveals how the branding of a 'free and natural' lifestyle serves as a means of resistance against overwork, environmental degradation, and societal pressures regarding body image and sexuality.

Schrank meticulously traces the historical trajectory of nudity, especially public nudity, from the early twentieth century to the present day. She highlights various contexts where nudism flourished, including California's deserts, Depression-era communities, and suburban nudist enclaves. The narrative also addresses the tensions that arise from the intersection of nudity and sexuality, particularly during the sexual revolution, revealing how advocates of public nudity navigated these complexities amidst shifting cultural norms.

By the twenty-first century, the initial antimaterialist ethos of the nudist movement has transformed into a lucrative wellness industry, where products marketed as 'Naked™' promise health and authenticity. In Free and Natural, Schrank provides an insightful account of how our understanding of the naked body has become intertwined with modern notions of identity and nature while simultaneously being shaped by the forces of capitalism.