Anthologica Rarissima: The Way of a Virgin is a unique collection of rare and lesser-known writings compiled by Various. This anthology delves into the lives and experiences of virtuous women throughout history, shedding light on their struggles, triumphs, and wisdom. The literary style varies from poetry to prose, creating a rich and multifaceted exploration of the theme of virtue and virginity in different cultures and time periods. The book serves as a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts interested in feminist literature, religious studies, and gender studies, offering a fresh perspective on the traditional portrayal of virgins in literature. Various's meticulous curation showcases the depth and complexity of the female experience, inviting readers to reconsider the significance of virginity in society. Anthologica Rarissima: The Way of a Virgin is a thought-provoking and compelling read that challenges conventional norms and sparks meaningful discussions on women's roles and identities.

"In Europe, young girls who are not very virtuous, and who have studied all the various forms of flirtation, are most generally passed off as virgins when they marry. Even when it does not really exist, there are many ways by which a virginity—which perhaps has been sold over and over again by expert and clever procuresses—can be simulated. A little time before going to the nuptial bed, the girl inserts into her vagina a few drops of pigeon's blood; or in some cases she selects for her wedding day the last day of menstruation. A sponge, skillfully placed, allows the blood to flow at the moment of the catastrophe, when a sudden 'Oh!' announces to the unsuspecting husband that the temple has been violated for the first time, and that the veil of the sanctum sanctorum has really been rent by him. Add also to these methods injections so astringent that, at the required time, they will give to a prostitute, whose gap has been widened by a thousand customers, a tightness greater than that of a real virgin." The more one examines the question, the more one is convinced that virginity or chastity has come to be regarded as a spiritual and moral asset only in civilised, or comparatively civilised, society. "In considering the moral quality of chastitiy among savages," writes Havelock Ellis (Studies in the Psychology of Sex, vol. 6, p. 147), "we must carefully separate that chastity which among semiprimitive peoples is exclusively imposed upon women. This has no moral quality whatever, for it is not exercised as a useful discipline, but merely enforced in order to heigthen the economic and erotic value of women. "Many authorities believe that the regard for women as property furnishes the true reason for the widespread insistence on virginity in brides. Thus A. B. Ellis, speaking of the West Coast of Africa (Yoruha Speaking Peoples, pp. 183 et seq.), says that girls of good class are bethroded as mere children, and are carefully guarded from men, while girls of lower class are seldom bethroded, and may lead any life they choose." Virginity in woman, it seems, has been set on a pedestal unsupported by history, science, or investigation. It is obviously the outcome of man's desire, when he buys or acquires, to obtain unsoiled goods. Comes a time, however, when the value of these so-called unsoiled goods grows questionable. Something virgin, in terms of common sense, is not necessarily something valuable; here enters the thinking, and, ultimately, the erotic, element. Let a man fall to asking why he demands virginity, and he will speedily begin to realise that it is the last thing he requires. Virginity spells ignorance, awkwardness and obstacles; maturity means understanding and co-operation. Thus, by easy stages, we reach the conclusion, mentioned by Havelock Ellis and quoted above, that for most men, whether they realise it or not, the love-wise woman has a greater erotic value than the virgin.[14] Quoting Westermarck (History of Human Marriage), he goes on to refer to the fact that the seduction of an unmarried girl "is chiefly, if not exclusively, regarded as an offence against the parents or family of the girl," and there is no indication that it is ever held by savages that any wrong has been done to the woman herself.

In T.S. Eliot's lesser-known work, 'Eeldrop and Appleplex', the reader is transported into a world of poetic beauty and abstraction. Written in a blend of traditional verse and modernist prose, the book explores themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a fragmented world. Eliot's signature style, characterized by rich allusions and complex symbolism, is on full display in this collection, making it a must-read for fans of his more famous works like 'The Waste Land' and 'Four Quartets'. The narrative unfolds through a series of interconnected vignettes, each offering a unique perspective on the human experience. Eliot's use of language is both lyrical and enigmatic, inviting readers to ponder the deeper layers of his writing. Throughout the book, Eliot grapples with the complexities of existence, creating a thought-provoking and immersive reading experience. 'Eeldrop and Appleplex' serves as a testament to Eliot's literary genius and his profound understanding of the human condition. It is a captivating exploration of the mysteries of life and a timeless work of art that will linger in the reader's mind long after the final page.

A three volume reference guide to the available literature concerning pornography and sexual representation in America.

A record of literary properties sold at auction in the United States.

Being Excerpts from Rare, Curious and Diverting Books, some now for the First Time done into English. To which are added Copious Explanatory Notes & Bibliographical References of Interest to Student, Collector and Psychologist. A limited edition published for private circulation among members of the Brovan Society in 1922.

The Way of a Virgin: Being Excerpts from Rare, Curious and Diverting Books, Some Now for the First Time Done into English: To which Are Added Copious Explanatory Notes and Bibliographical References of Interest to Student, Collector and Psychologist : The Whole Introduced, Compiled and Edited By L. and C. Brovan. * * * * * From the introductory. IN devoting a volume to the romance and folk-lore of Virginity, it may not be inappropriate first to examine the psychology of a word and a quality as magical as they are misused. What is virginity? Is it the possession intact of that delicate piece of membrane, the poets' 'flos virginitatis' or is it some indescribable, intangible attribute in on sense dependent on physical perfection? Does it imply abstention from and ignorance of all sexual pleasures, or must it be a chastity which falls little short of stupid, even criminal, innocence?

Experience theatre as "a performing art and humanistic event." THEATRE: A WAY OF SEEING is an exciting introduction to all aspects of theatre: who sees it, what is seen, and where and how it is seen.