An early manual on sex and pregnancy, banned from sale in the UK for more than 200 years, will go under the hammer later this month.
Aristotle’s Compleat Master-Piece first appeared around 1680 and was banned from the mid 18th century until the 1960s.
An edition printed in the 1760s is expected to fetch up to £400 when it goes on sale at Edinburgh auction house Lyon & Turnbull.
Cathy Marsden, a book specialist at the auctioneers, said: “It’s fascinating reading. It tells an amazing story about the changing perspectives on sex.”
The book is thought to have served as a reference guide for amateur midwives and young married couples, and includes dire warnings on the possible consequences of extra-marital sex.
The edition being auctioned at Lyon & Turnbull is thought to have been published around 1766.
It will go under the hammer on Wednesday January 16 as part of a sale of rare books, maps, manuscripts and photographs.
