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Long before the internet made awkward questions instantly searchable, Dr. William J. Robinson was putting them between burgundy boards—and apparently scandalizing respectable bookshelves in the process.
Offered here is a scarce presumed first edition of A Clergyman’s Son and Daughter by William J. Robinson, M.D., published in 1922 by The Critic and Guide Company of New York. Robinson was an outspoken early advocate for sex education, birth control and marriage reform, making this fascinating volume a genuine artifact of early 20th-century social history.
Best of all, this copy retains its exceedingly difficult-to-find original printed dust jacket. The jacket advertises Robinson’s Married Life and Happiness on the rear panel with the wonderfully confident declaration: “Costs three dollars—is worth three hundred!” They simply don’t write advertisements like that anymore.
The burgundy cloth hardcover features gilt spine lettering and the publisher’s device. The copyright page is dated 1921, while the title page and jacket are dated 1922. Approximately 170 pages plus publisher advertisements.
An additional point of interest is the vintage “Horst Schober” ownership stamp appearing on the title page. This may possibly relate to Horst E. Schober, the noted Salt Lake City chef whose cookbook collection is held by the University of Utah, although that connection has not been authenticated and is offered only as an intriguing possibility.
CONDITION:
The hardcover remains attractive with strong burgundy coloring, readable gilt spine lettering and relatively light exterior wear for its age. Corners and spine ends show some rubbing and bumping. Pages display expected age toning.
The original dust jacket is in fragile, well-worn condition with substantial chipping, tears, edge loss, toning, rubbing and missing portions, particularly around the upper corners and spine ends. Despite its flaws, the jacket remains substantially present, readable and remarkably striking for a delicate paper survivor more than a century old.
Vintage ownership stamps appear on the title page. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.
A scarce and provocative survivor—ideal for collectors of antiquarian books, medical history, sexology, marriage reform, birth-control history, social history or delightfully uncomfortable conversations with houseguests.
The book will be carefully protected and securely packaged for shipment.
