Each chapter is written as it's own entity and while it doesn't delve deeply into what's going on it does talk about many topics about sex and various sexual goings-on in, mostly England, of the 18th Century. An invaluable work for historical novelists this would allow readers to know what was considered normal and abnormal for people of the time. What was considered titilating and what was considered downright obscene.

I found it a fairly easy read, though you probably wouldn't like other folks to be looking over your shoulder when you read this, some of the headings are downright suggestive and some of the illustrations (particularly in the Scottish Secret Sex Socieities) leave little to the imagination! Overall it does treat it's subject well, with an odd nod and smile to the audience and overall treating it with a light touch. It tries hard to be objective (a difficult task with the subject matter) and in my opinon succeeds. Julie Peakman is quite a readable writer, I would look for other works by her. ( )