Richard von Krafft-Ebing (1840–1902)

Reading Psychopathia Sexualis is a fascinating experience – the sheer multitude of forms human sexuality can assume is at once wonderful and grotesque. But aside from the obvious entertainment value of such a work, I was moved by an unexpected feeling of profound pity for Krafft-Ebing's unfortunate subjects, inescapably trapped in an age almost completely intolerant of any deviancy from 'normal' heterosexuality. This was undeniably an important work when first published, yet equally undeniable is its continuing relevance today – these 'sexual deviants' still exist, shamefully hiding their bizarre fetishes from a more tolerant yet ever-ridiculing society. Although Krafft-Ebing's explanations may now be outdated, his willingness to simply acknowledge and attempt to understand deviant sexual phenomena is laudable.… (more)