Ideal Marriage: Its Physiology and Technique

NY: Covici, Friede. 1930 on the title page, but this is the 3rd printing from 1931. An early printing of the best-selling sex manual of all time. An unusually frank work on human sexuality and the art of physical love for married couples. Written by a Dutch gynecologist and supposedly for sale only to "physicians, lawyers, ministers, educators, and social workers." In practical effect, it became a bestseller with the general public for decades, despite (or partly because of) being added in 1931 to the Vatican's list of banned books. Clothbound 8vo in dust jacket. xxvi, 323 pp. Illustrated by 8 plates, some folding and in color. A slip is bound into the front of the book with the notice: "The sale of this book is strictly limited to members of the medical profession, Psychoanalysts, Scholars, and to such adults as may have a definite position in the field of Physiological, Psychological, or Social Research." Clothbound hardcover in dust jacket. VG overall, as shown. Some spotting of the outer fore-edge, but text pages clean and unmarked. Sound, tight binding. Jacket is protected by a clear, archival cover. Two former owner signatures: F.K. Hartwell (identity unknown) and [Dr.] Clarence F. Willey, a former professor and chair in the Psychology and Education Department of Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont.