First published in 1948 this book is obviously dated in its language and the background of early post war Britain influences it a good deal but it really is a great little book, only available second hand now and it is not cheap either. It is written in the style of a series of letters to a young couple by the ‘father figure’ author. It sets out to be a guide to marriage, not simply the sexual side of things. I am not sure whether there are many books even today that include aspects of marriage such as family finances, matrimonial squabbles, in-law difficulties and the incurring of debt by using ‘hire-purchase’, the old term for buying on credit. The information and detail on matters related to the sexual relationship of the married couple are handled in detail and with grace. Clear reasoned principles are laid down concerning birth control. It is the underlying informal style of the book that gains attention and makes it useful not only to young couples considering marriage but also those who are already married and desire to see their marriage become more mutually satisfying. Although it is written by a Christian minister who was involved in much marriage counseling the Christian element is present throughout but it is absent in any overt way. Perhaps this was intentional in that the book is meant to be helpful to all young couples and those older too. There are frank and scientific sections on sexual life in marriage and these contain consideration of areas of possible difficulties and joys and the limitations that should be imposed on the sex life in the months and possible years leading up to marriage too. All in all, bearing in mind that it was written sixty years ago, it is worthwhile to obtain and use, as it is intended, namely as a helpful guide.
