Studies in the Psychology of Sex (Volume 1)

Havelock Ellis's groundbreaking study of the role of sex in human psychology was among the first works ever published to seriously scrutinize the subject.

The author first conducted his researches and published this work in the late Victorian era. It was a time in which Western society possessed a public culture of modesty that shaped how sex was thought of by individuals and groups; an era marked by a unyielding ground of proper conduct and mores voiced by both religious and political authorities.

The first part of the book is occupied with the evolution of modesty in society, beginning with the notion that modesty is a predominantly feminine force originating from within the female portions of the psyche. The veil of modesty which the woman casts during courtship is discussed - its practice allows women to judge potential partners as suitable. Mothers meanwhile are commonly seen to teach their female offspring about sex at a young age.

Noticing a difference in tendencies between the sexes, Ellis elaborates on how certain women can shed their modesty during instances of gratification. He proposes that this is not necessarily a contradiction of morals, but instead indicative that modesty is a suppression of sorts, in conflict with the deeper instincts of the human psyche. Other considerations, such as influences of climate and culture, are noted in the author's study.

These ideas lead Ellis onto his later discussions of the spontaneous sexual impulses which emerge within the lives of otherwise modest and ordinary persons. His researches comprise of case studies not only from within the Western culture, but further afield, that the reader may observe how environment and upbringing bears upon participants. The instance of women exploring their sexuality in private is seen to be common, irrespective of cultural origins.

Ellis found that many young and middle-aged women would spontaneously, and often repeatedly, explore their own sexuality. In some instances, these explorations and the pleasure therein would sometimes lead to a sense of shame or disgust. Other women however viewed their masturbation as a healthy way to expend energy and satisfy sexual impulses, though some notice its addictive qualities.

This printing of Havelock Ellis's work contains all of his original notes and the appendixes. It is adapted from the 1918 edition; this being the final version published during the author's lifetime.