patrists, according to the author) typical of the patrist character? Or again, if patrists fear women as unclean temptresses to sin, why did the Medieval patrists choose to express their fears by burning witches, while the Victorians followed the strikingly dissimilar course of insisting that women were smooth-surfaced statues, entirely devoid of sexual feelings? Is not the actual state of psychic affairs in each of these ages somewhat more complex than Mr. Taylor's neat scheme would indicate? It al most certainly is in the present century. Mr. Taylor sees the present as a progressive matrist revolution among the masses, held back by the laws, institution, and ethics of an earlier patrist generation, supported by modern patrists who have gotten themselves into positions of social authority. To an American reviewer, however, this picture looks unconvincing. He lives in a society in which, though women enjoy higher status than ever before, they achieve it by Imitating men; in which, when boys identify with their mothers, they identify with mothers who are the law-givers and conscience-inflictors of the family; in which the stereotyped male ideal is such an obsession among the masses that the fear of homosexuality approaches panic pro portions; in which "beating up fairies" is a recognized social custom, condoned by many. This scarcely looks like a tolerant matrist majority being oppressed by patrist laws. It is, though, a truism to point out that historians with simple, clear-cut theories always do better with the past than with the present, which is bound to look much more complex to those who live in it than it probably will to future historians.

With or without its faults, Mr. Taylor's book deserves a more careful study than there is room for here. It is full of illuminating and stimulating ideas, and it offers what is perhaps the most sobering and yet optimistic historical proposition ever put forth that more significant revolutions in human history are determined in the cradle than on the battlefield.

REPORT TO SUBSCRIBERS

Looking over the material which is to appear in the next (April) issue of the Review, we predict that some readers will write to tell us that the table of contents is something like the other side of the same record played in February.

However, we think most readers will welcome and appreciate the fact. Few issues have brought in the number of letters applauding the articles as have arrived less than a month after February issue went into the mail.

Each of the two lead articles, "Values and Responsibilities" and "The Tender Trap," have received favorable comment from persons who are looking forward to the future installments of each of the two series. One letter was critical, however, and asked us to "trim" the length. But in April, we promise, we shall endeavor to avoid duplication of paragraphs (an error in makeup noted in "The Tender Trap" last month). Someone slipped in an extra repro proof, and we didn't catch it until it was too late!

Miss Alice Lavere brings another nail-on-the-head viewpoint on the subject of therapy in a second article, "Emotions That Destroy Your Health and Personality." We hope this will appeal to many readers.

But one of the outstanding "scoops," we think, comes from Peter Wildeblood of London, who has given us permission to reprint an excerpt from his newest book, "A Way of Life," not yet available in this country. The story we shall bring to our readers will be entitled "There are Many Mansions..." and we hope it will spur many to want to read the entire book.

Book reviews and an expanded letters section will complete the issue.

THE CORY BOOK SERVICE REACTIVATED

For several years the Cory Book Service, originally founded by Donald Webster Cory, filled an important need by making available books that dealt with homosexuality. This service was interrupted by the sudden death of its owner well over a year ago. Although there was no lack of persons of integrity anxious to continue the service, nothing at all was done until December, 1956, when the mailing list was finally sold and became the Winston Book Service, of 250 Fulton Avenue, Hempstead, Long Island, New York.

Only time will tell what the new ownership will mean to its subscribers, but we can report that our first impression has been most favorable indeed: a new owner of the highest integrity, devoted to the cause, and something that might make an important difference not financially dependent on it.

Our most sincere wishes for the success of the Winston Book Service.

mattachine REVIEW

Response to renewals (our largest block of subscriptions expired last month), has been gratifying. Many are taking advantage of a last opportunity to renew for up to four years at the current low price of $2.50 because on April 1 the rate goes to $4 per year in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, $5 elsewhere. We can't produce magazines and mail them first class for that rate, we found, but any present subscriber may also extend his subscription up to February 1961 at that price.

September isn't here yet, but it's not far away at that. The Labor Day weekend (August 30-September 2) will see the Mattachine Society's 4th annual convention staged at San Francisco. Highlight of the event will be a full day of lectures on a central theme, and a committee is already at work choosing speakers for the main day and the evening barquet. Experts in their fields will appear on the program. Why not begin now to plan to attend the meeting in person and learn first hand the way Mattachine is trying to provide a vital service to the American public? Our meetings are not closed (except the business session for members)-anyone over 21 may register and attend. The convention will be held in one of the city's hotels and further announcements will be made in the Review and Mattachine newsletters.