Hidden Anxieties: Male Sexuality, 1900–1950

by Lesley A. Hall

Male sexuality is often seen as simple and monolithic, the 'normal' male appears unchanging and unproblematic. In this major new study, Lesley Hall examines the historical figure of the sexually 'normal' male and addresses the assumptions inherent in this concept. Common male difficulties are concealed by assumptions that desire is crude, insurgent, spontaneous and unproblematic, and are therefore ignored. Hidden Anxieties explores this view, examining the letters of thousands of men who wrote to Marie Stopes, author of Married Love, seeking help for problems that were otherwise unmentionable. Hall clarifies the concepts of the 'normal' male which changed considerably between the late Victorian era and the end of World War II. While examining these evolving ideas, Hall shows how men, as well as women, were the victims of a repressive climate in relation to their sexuality.

228 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1991

Reviews

[C. B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite marvellous. I'd been meaning to read this for a long time. If you like reading about 1920s men anxious about erectile dysfunction, penis size, and libido, then this is the book for you!

[Rhiannon Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now a few years old (which is how I was able to pick it up second-hand from a library), but still good quality writing on a fascinating and previously neglected subject. The general overview is useful, although the real gem is the author's access to and use of the archive of letters sent to Marie Stopes. Her correspondents revealed in writing, and hence to posterity, things they seem to have been unable to discuss openly with many, if any, other people.