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Earlier in the 20th century, sexual instruction books for married couples were much more common than they are today. Apparently nobody had sex before they got married or something. The Art of Marriage came with the following disclaimer:
FOR SALE ONLY TO MEMBERS OF THE RECOGNIZED PROFESSIONS, AND TO MARRIED PERSONS UNDER A WRITTEN AND SIGNED AGREEMENT
The agreement is printed on the inside front cover:
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(This is an exact copy of an agreement signed by purchaser of this
book and a condition under which it was sold.)
I am enclosing $____for which please send me____copies of the ART OF MARRIAGE. I hereby certify that I am a member of the_________profession or that I am a married person and am desirous of studying the subject of marriage. I agree to assume full responsibility for safeguarding the book from falling into the hands of any improper persons especially minors without their parents consent. Purchaser____________________ |
This particular book is interesting because of its mix of antiquated superstition and foreward-thinking. Chapter XII - Propriety of the Orgasm tells us both that we need sexual reform in the country and that staying in an unhappy marriage is a bad thing, and that the lack of sex can cause epillepsy (among other things).
I'm particularly proud of Psychology of Sex Relations- it was quite a find. On one of the first pages of the book is printed the statement, "This book has been manufactured in accordance with paper conservation orders of the War Production Board." In this book, Theodor Reik explains sadism, masochism, voyeurism and exhibitionism, noting where he disagrees with Freud on the subjects. Pay close attention to his descriptions of a variety of fantasies (of his perhaps?) and how he dwells on sexual excitement from wrestling.
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