Subject
Sex (Psychology) Books
Best books
Havelock Ellis
Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 1 The Evolution of Modesty; The Phenomena of Sexual Periodicity; Auto-Erotism
"Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 1" by Havelock Ellis is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This volume delves into the topics surrounding sexual psychology, modesty, sexual periodicity, and auto-eroticism, with the aim of clarifying the complex emotional and psychological aspects tied to human sexuality. Ellis combines observations from various cultures and time periods, presenting a comprehensive look at how societal and cultural constructs around sex evolve and impact human behavior. At the start of this foundational work, Ellis reveals his long-standing commitment to studying sexual psychology, rooted in his own youthful inquiries into the subject. He lays the groundwork for his discussions by defining modesty as a key emotion that influences sexual behavior, particularly highlighting its importance for women. He contrasts historical views on sex with modern observations and emphasizes the need for a scientific approach to understand sexuality free from moralistic agendas. Ellis argues that both men and women possess a complex relationship with their sexual identities shaped by societal expectations, and he implores readers to approach the subject of sex with sincerity and openness to foster a deeper understanding of its role in human life.
Marie Nyswander Robinson
The Power of Sexual Surrender
"The Power of Sexual Surrender" by Marie Nyswander Robinson is a scientific publication written in the late 20th century. The book addresses the critical issue of sexual frigidity in women, defining it as the inability to enjoy sexual love to its fullest potential, a problem that affects a significant portion of married women. Robinson, drawing from her experience as a psychiatrist, aims to educate and empower women to understand their sexual health and the psychological factors surrounding frigidity while ultimately seeking to enhance their intimate relationships. The opening of the book begins with a preface where the author emphasizes the seriousness of sexual frigidity and its impact on not just the individual, but also on marriages and families. Robinson introduces the concept of sexual frigidity, explaining its many forms and psychological roots, while contrasting it with the evolving awareness of women's sexuality in a post-Victorian landscape. She asserts that knowledge and understanding are key to overcoming such challenges and advocates for the importance of education for both women and their partners, setting the foundation for the deeper discussions that will follow in the subsequent chapters.
Havelock Ellis
Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 3 Analysis of the Sexual Impulse; Love and Pain; The Sexual Impulse in Women
"Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 3" by Havelock Ellis is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This volume focuses on the complex issues surrounding sexual psychology, analyzing elements such as the sexual impulse, love, pain, and the sexual instinct in women. Ellis aims to connect psychological phenomena with physiological processes, examining both normal and abnormal manifestations of sexual behavior. At the start of the volume, Ellis provides a thorough preface outlining the scope of his analysis, including a review of recent scientific advancements related to sexual instincts and impulses. He goes on to challenge existing theories regarding the sexual impulse, suggesting that it may not solely be linked to reproductive functions, but rather involves diverse and intricate elements that reflect both physical and psychological dimensions. The opening also sets the stage for exploring specific concepts such as sadism and masochism and their psychological implications, as well as delving into the distinctive qualities of the sexual impulse in women, which Ellis argues require deeper exploration than traditionally afforded in literature.
Havelock Ellis
Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 2 Sexual Inversion
"Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 2" by Havelock Ellis is a book published in 1900. This groundbreaking work examines what nineteenth-century society called "sexual inversion"—homosexuality and gender variance—through case studies and scientific analysis. Ellis challenges prevailing views by arguing that same-sex attraction is often innate rather than a moral failing, and advocates for legal reform in England where such behavior remained criminalized. Initially suppressed in Britain, the book represents one of the first major English-language studies to treat its subjects with scientific objectivity and compassion.
Otto Weininger
Sex & Character Authorised Translation from the Sixth German Edition
"Sex & Character" by Otto Weininger is a philosophical text written in the early 20th century. The book explores the complex relationship between the sexes, attempting to reduce the spiritual differences of men and women to a singular principle grounded in characterology. Weininger presents his system by characterizing sexual types through philosophical and biological lenses, thereby illuminating the intricacies of human sexuality. The opening of the work sets the stage for Weininger's ambitious exploration of gender dynamics, suggesting that traditional categorizations of male and female overlook the nuances of human identity. He critiques the superficial binaries often employed in discussions of gender, advocating instead for a recognition of the gradients and transitional forms between sexes. By referencing embryological development and the fluidity of sexual characteristics, Weininger lays the groundwork for an extensive analysis that aims to uncover the underlying laws of sexual attraction and the philosophical implications of sexuality, ultimately suggesting that individual identities cannot be distinctly classified but rather exist on a spectrum of maleness and femaleness.
Havelock Ellis
Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 5 Erotic Symbolism; The Mechanism of Detumescence; The Psychic State in Pregnancy
"Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 5" by Havelock Ellis is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This volume focuses on topics related to erotic symbolism, the physiological process of detumescence, and the psychological aspects of pregnancy in relation to sexuality. It delves into the complex nature of sexual expression and variances, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of sexual psychology and its broader implications on morality and social norms. At the start of the volume, Ellis introduces the overarching theme of erotic symbolism, proposing that a range of sexual aberrations and fetishes arise when the focus of sexual attraction deviates from a person to certain objects or acts. He emphasizes the concept of symbolism in human sexuality and outlines various categories of erotic symbols, including those related to body parts, inanimate objects, and specific actions. This opening sets the stage for more detailed analyses of the intricate connections between psychological processes and sexual behavior, guiding the reader through the initial theoretical explorations that will follow throughout the volume.
Havelock Ellis
Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 4 Sexual Selection In Man
"Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 4" by Havelock Ellis is a scientific publication focusing on the psychology of sexual selection, written in the late 19th century. This volume delves into how sensory stimuli—specifically through touch, smell, hearing, and vision—affect sexual attraction and choice in humans. Ellis aims to explore the psychological dimensions of sexual selection, underlining how these sensory interactions contribute to the complex phenomena of love and attraction. The opening of the volume presents a preface that establishes Ellis's intent to outline the framework of his study rather than present conclusive results. He discusses how traditional views of sexual selection, particularly those influenced by Darwin, have been clouded by psychological misconceptions and emphasizes the importance of sensory experiences in shaping love. In laying the groundwork for his investigation, Ellis posits that the stimuli from these senses are fundamental to understanding human sexuality and its evolution, thereby setting the stage for a deeper examination of these themes throughout the text that follows.
Otto Weininger
Geschlecht und Charakter: Eine prinzipielle Untersuchung
"Geschlecht und Charakter: Eine prinzipielle Untersuchung" by Otto Weininger is a philosophical work published in 1903. The twenty-three-year-old Austrian philosopher presents a controversial theory examining the relationship between the sexes. Weininger proposes that all humans contain both masculine and feminine elements in varying proportions, creating a spectrum between ideal types. His work develops a dualistic philosophy centered on gender differences, arguing for the superiority of masculine principles while associating femininity with absence and negation. The book became a classic document of Viennese modernism.
Havelock Ellis
Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 6 Sex in Relation to Society
"Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 6" by Havelock Ellis is a scientific publication written during the late 19th to early 20th century. This volume focuses on the relationship of sex to society, exploring how societal traditions and environmental influences impact the sexual impulse and its expression. The work is part of a larger analytical examination of sexual psychology, where the author intends to address various important problems surrounding sexual behavior, morality, and traditions. At the start of the volume, Ellis reflects on the foundational influence of motherhood on both individual lives and society. He discusses the critical role mothers play in shaping the child's wellbeing and destiny, emphasizing the necessity for maternal rest before and after childbirth to ensure healthier offspring. He highlights current societal issues, such as infant mortality and the degradation of motherhood due to industrialization, indicating a pressing need for structural reforms in public health and hygiene standards. Ellis illustrates how societal neglect of maternal health and responsibilities adversely affects children's survival and societal progression, advocating for greater awareness and institutional support for mothers to foster a healthier future generation.
Marie Carmichael Stopes
Married Love: A New Contribution to the Solution of Sex Difficulties
"Married Love: A New Contribution to the Solution of Sex Difficulties" by Marie Stopes is a book published in 1918. One of the first works to openly discuss birth control, it sought to teach married couples how to achieve happy marriages and fulfilling intimate lives. Stopes explores balancing the desire for freedom and exploration with the constraints of monogamy and family life. Initially rejected as too controversial, the book became a sensation, selling nearly 750,000 copies by 1931 and ranking among the most influential books of its era.
James Oppenheim
The common sense of sex
"The common sense of sex by James Oppenheim" is a short work of popular psychology and sex education written in the early 20th century. It presents a clear, non-puritan view of sexuality, blending psychoanalytic ideas with practical guidance, and argues that sexual life is natural, varied, and best approached with informed common sense. The book surveys Freud’s account of infantile sexuality, fixation, perversion, and sublimation; contrasts it with Jung’s critiques, his introvert–extravert types, and the four functions (thinking, feeling, intuition, sensation) to show why sexuality differs so widely among individuals. It evaluates claims about a “third sex,” reframing them as mixtures of masculine and feminine principles present in everyone, and emphasizes Havelock Ellis’s “art of love,” where foreplay and mutual responsiveness elevate the act. The author warns against universal moral codes, explaining how fear, repression, mismating, and social pressures (fear of pregnancy, anxiety about impotence, rigid monogamy) distort desire, while misplaced creative energy can fuel perversions or crusading zeal. He urges sex education, compassionate guidance for youth (including handling auto-erotism), nuanced views on homosexuality and prostitution, and flexible, humane arrangements in adult relationships. It closes with an ideal of love that unites tenderness, passion, and respect, encouraging couples to find their own ethical way.
Havelock Ellis
De psychologie der sexen: De sexen in hare verhouding tot de maatschappij
"De psychologie der sexen: De sexen in hare verhouding tot de maatschappij" by Havelock Ellis is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the complex interrelations between sexuality and society, emphasizing the need for open discourse regarding sexual matters that have historically been shunned. Ellis's study aims to provide clarity and understanding about sexual issues of significant social importance. At the start of the work, the author discusses the role of motherhood in raising children and the implications of societal attitudes towards maternity. He asserts that the mother is the child’s closest blood relative and emphasizes the importance of proper care during pregnancy for both mother and child. Ellis criticizes contemporary practices that neglect the essential needs of pregnant women, highlighting how societal changes have contributed to high infant mortality rates. The introduction sets the tone for a comprehensive exploration of sexual psychology and the historical influences on modern views of gender and sexuality.
Recently surfaced classics