Contents

Introduction

A Note on Language

PART ONE

ESTABLISHING ORDER

1600–1870

Chapter 1:To Confound the Course of Nature

Chapter 2:Sacred Possessions

Chapter 3:Under the Husband’s Government

Chapter 4:Slavery’s Intimate Bonds

Chapter 5:A Woman of Pleasure

Chapter 6:Perfect Confidence and Love

PART TWO

REDEFINING SEX

1840–1938

Chapter 7:Then Shall They Be Gods

Chapter 8:A Typical Invert

Chapter 9:Obscene and Immoral

Chapter 10:Plays Too Stirring for a Boy Your Age

Chapter 11:A Society of Queers

PART THREE

SOLVING SEXUAL PROBLEMS

1938–2024

Chapter 12:Scientific Methods

Chapter 13:Revolutionary Love

Chapter 14:Public Masturbator Number One

Chapter 15:Irresponsible Intercourse

Chapter 16:Sexual Advances

Chapter 17:Family’s Value

Chapter 18:Save the Children

Coda: The Ghost of Anthony Comstock

Acknowledgments

Notes

Image Credits

Index