Published in 1916, Maurice A. Bigelow's Sex-education isn't a biology textbook or a how-to guide. It's a book about the idea of sex education itself. Bigelow, a professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, was part of a growing movement that believed young people needed formal instruction on matters of sex, health, and reproduction. The book lays out the arguments for why this education was necessary, discusses the roles of the home, the school, and the church, and proposes a curriculum for different age groups. It's less about the specific facts taught and more about building a philosophical and practical framework for a conversation many found uncomfortable.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a quiet revelation. Reading it, you realize how many of our current debates—about parental rights, school curricula, and moral values—are not new at all. Bigelow writes with a sincere, almost urgent tone, advocating for clarity and science over silence and fear. It’s a window into the progressive social thought of the early 20th century. You can feel the author carefully navigating the conservative social norms of his day while pushing for what he saw as a crucial reform for public health and ethics.

Final Verdict

This is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of education, medicine, or social reform. It’s also perfect for readers who enjoy seeing how societal conversations evolve. You won't agree with every dated idea (and there are plenty), but that's part of the point. It’s a humble, thoughtful, and historically significant book that reminds us that talking about how to talk about difficult things has always been the first, hardest step.