SEX, CRIMES AND MISDEMEANOURS

Hardback. SIGNED. A study of sex crime starting with the 19th-century. In addition to the outmoded practices of wife-selling and baby-farming, the author covers more familiar territory depicting shifts in attitudes to marriage, adultery, prostitution and homosexuality. Sex law is given a social, economic and historical context, demonstrating the variant effect time, place, class and gender have on decisions and how today's crimes can be yesterday's mores. Law is also put on the stand, with a scrutiny of its agenda which can read as a history of double standards and prejudice, with laws, perhaps designed to protect, ultimately oppressing. From the glamorous to the seedy, a book which charts the evolution in sex in the eyes of the law. Case studies used include : John Profumo, Oscar Wilde and Lorena Bobbitt as well as those lesser known, though equally significant, like the Brighton Poisoner. Illus., Bibliog. and Index. 398pp. lge. 8vo. h/back. From the library of true crime writer, Wilfred Gregg, with his personal b/plate. Includes 2 loosely inserted 'Our Society' Dinner Invitations, where the author was the guest speaker on this subject. Part 1 December 6, 2005; Part 2 December 4, 2007. Lightly browned pp. o/w Nr. F. in Vg+ dw. which has small closed tear to fr. cover. With tipped-in label SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR.