Venette, Dr. — Tableau de L'Amour Conjugal

Paris, En Vente Chez Tous Les Libraires, . . Softcover. Size: 12mo 7" - 7. From the personal library of the noted bibliographer, folklorist and erotophile, Gershon Legman. Short octavo softcover in size, flexible softcover in format, 384 pp. plus 36-page catalog of the publisher Garnier Freres at rear. Marbled brown papers over flexible cardboard, handsomely applied burgundy cloth over spine, title rubbed. Precise edition and publication date unknown, but evidence from endpapers, previous owner of the book (Mr. Richard L. Press) and scattered notes suggests very early 1900s. Adding to the value of the tome is the inclusion of 11 full-page color plates printed one side only, depicting frankly but colorfully male and female anatomy, including women's genitalia, a full male erection, and fetal extraction in case of a medical procedure. Roundly considered to be the first treatise on sexology in Western cultures and medicine. Dr. Venette looks intently at anatomy, reproduction, desire, and impotence/infertility. He discourses upon ancient and medieval authors and argues forcefully for love but against sexuality. It reads sort of like an sex-instruction manual.Member, I.O.B.A., C.B.A., and adherent to the highest ethical standards. . . . Very Good