BOOKS

Notices and reviews of books, articles, plays and poetry dealing with homosexuality and the sex variant. Readers are invited to send in reviews or printed matter for review.

SAFT

THE CIRCLE OF SEX by Gavin Arthur, Pan-Graphic Press, 86 Pp., $2.50.

In closing her introduction to The Circle of Sex, Dr. Blanche M. Baker says: "In my opinion Gavin Arthur has made a unique contribution to the field of sexology. His concept of the circle of sex contributes greatly to a fuller understanding of sex deviations, and emphasizes the value of sexual gradiants between males, females and homosexuals. It should prove to be an exceptionally worthwhile asset in the interpretation and understanding of sexual deviants, where there still exists a gross lack of real comprehension. I heartily endorse The Circle of Sex as worthy of mature consideration." This opinion will, in all likelihood, be shared by many, but, of course, not all readers, as this is a controversial and threatening subject. The average

reader might, however, react to it in such personal terms as: Where he actually is on the circle, where he thinks he is, and where he wants others to think he is; or he might become so threatened that he will declare that the whole presentation is utter trash. Having known the author and the developmental stages of his manuscript for a long time, I doubt that Gavin Arthur entertained any illusions about the book's being hailed as a highly scientific or academic gift to science. He seems rath-

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er to have chosen the role of a commentator reporting his observations, readings and often first-hand contacts with persons of the twelve Types he presents on his circle of sexual expression.

While we might feel that there is not sufficient evidence of the scientific method in the presentation, and that material gathered from an empirical, psychological observation is included, the central theme is unique and provocative and indicates by implication the causes for broken courtships and marriages, not to mention those who never marry. Mr. Arthur may or may not be on the right road when he brings esoteric philosophy into his calculations; but Columbus. took the same chance when he sailed westward toward the edge of the flat world of popular geographic belief, circa 1400 A.D. To me he seems to be addressing himself to the general public which naturally is not as well informed in general sexual matters as is the sexologist or psychiatrist.

Symbolically in The Circle of Sex the phenomenon of the sexuality of homo sapiens, physical, emotional and deeply psychological is represented by a globe: Wholeness. The equator of this globe becomes the continuum of the twelve Types sections of sex in physical manifestation as habit patterns. The interior of the globe symbolizes the multitude of hidden, invisible, mental, emotional and psy-