Homosexuality

FOREWORD

Second Revised Edition

Already regarded as the classic exposition of the problems of homosexuality, this book, in this second edition, contains large additions and revisions, particularly on the subject of lesbianism. It can now claim to be the most exhaustive and authoritative account of its difficult subject in print. The recent liberalization of the law on homosexuality in Great Britain reinforces the need for an up-to-date work which handles an emotionally-charged theme coolly and factually in the light of modern knowledge.

A summary of the facts about homosexual behaviour in primitive communities, in historical times, and among animals, leads on to a review of the social, legal, and moral problems, which are personified in two typical case-histories.

Endocrine, biological and psychological theories are all considered in a survey of the possible causes of homosexuality, and Dr West concludes with suggestions for checking homosexuality and advice on the treatment of the confirmed homosexual.

Donald West was born in Liverpool in 1924 and was educated at Merchant Taylors’ School and Liverpool University. He qualified in medicine in 1947, and having been interested in the investigation of alleged psychic phenomena since his student days, became Research Officer to the Society for Psychical Research, and in 1963 its President. Since 1951 he has practised as a psychiatrist and has specialized in the study of abnormalities related to criminal behaviour; he is now a lecturer in the Cambridge University Institute of Criminology and a Fellow of Darwin College. He was appointed one of the initial members of the English Parole Board.

Dr West is the author of Psychical Research Today (revised edition 1962), Eleven Lourdes Miracles (1957), The Habitual Prisoner (1963), Murder Followed by Suicide (1965) and The Young Offender (1967). He has also published various papers on parapsychological and psychiatric researches.