Thy Neighbor's Wife

Of necessity, given the scope of Talese's subject (sexuality in American life and law in the latter half of the twentieth century), this is selective, less a broad survey than a series of deep investigations. But that allows Talese to do what he does best: create a rich journalistic account and factual context with full-bodied humans at the center. Most interesting is the long profile—almost a book in itself—of John and Barbara Williamson, founders of the Sandstone sex commune, where qualified couples once paid to have their inhibitions loosened.

I recently read Talese's history of and report on the sexual revolution. As I recall, this book created quite a stir when it was published; I didn't read it then, and coming upon it now, decades after it was written, what strikes me most is the distance and dispassion with which Talese examines such things as the creation of "Playboy" magazine, wife-swapping, and swinging. Letting the facts speak for themselves, he paints a portrait of a "revolution" which empowers men to exploit women, although those are not words Talese every uses. This book is perhaps the first to explore what became our contemporary, pornography-pervaded popular culture.

Not at all what I expected this to be. I wish I read it when it originally came out, but I am not sure I would have really appreciated it. As it is, it's a time capsule, a reflection of what we used to be. Extremely well written.

A fascinating history of many of the players in the post WWII era of sexuality in the USA, as well as some of the ore famous precursors from the late 1800's. Detailed biographies of many important figures in obscenity trials as well as free love supporters. And includes an index! It does ramble a bit, as it provides much background info on major and minor characters. Written over 40 years ago, it provides an interesting comment on how much, and how little, the social control over sex has changed during this time.

Talese reviewed changing sexual behaviors in the United States from the 1950s to the 1970s. He did this by telling the stories of individuals who were pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable to mainstream America. Many of the battles between conservatives and liberals continue to this day morphing in our ongoing culture wars. Well worth the read.

So far, this book is amazing. This is the second book I've read by Gay Talese and this guy weaves the most fascinating stories. A wonderful look at the sexual mores of the United States in the mid-to-late 70s.

This is a classic in this genre.