Library Briefings

Sex & Sexuality, 1640 – 1940

Literary, medical, and sociological perspectives

Sexual habits, moral guidance, the sociology of sex, romantic friendships, lesbian relationships, the body, homosexuality, and erotica are among the many topical areas included in Sex & Sexuality, 1640 – 1940, a large microfilm collection of rare printed texts spanning 400 years. These and other subjects are approached in multiple ways, from literary works, medical treatises, and historical documents, to pornographic literature from the Private Case Collection (recently opened to researchers) at the British Library, London. Other works are taken from the Bodleian Library, Oxford and the Wellcome Institute for the History of Medicine, in London. As noted by the Editor, Marie Mulvey-Roberts: "By opening up a subject that has remained largely inaccessible, this series makes available many writings that have been restricted to specialist libraries and obscure archives. It will enhance our understanding of the sexual enlightenment and the way in which individuals have negotiated their sexual practices throughout the course of history."

Students and scholars in education, English literatures, gender studies, history, history of medicine, philosophy, psychology, religion, sociology, and women's studies will find primary materials relevant to their fields of study. For full details on each of the four parts of the collection, see Collections A-Z on the publisher's website.

Although this is a microfilm set, not an electronic database, it comes with enhanced accessibility. An online guide to the contents is available via the publisher's website at AMP Digital Guides. Both the microfilm and a printed guide are located in the Library's Newspaper/Periodical Reading Room.

L. E. Lyons
Bibliographer
l-lyons@northwestern.edu