The COMPANIONATE MARRIAGE

Lindsey, Judge Ben B[arr. 1869 - 1943]. & Evans, Wainright [1883 - ~ 1957]. Stoddard, Walter E. - Presentation recipient

Published by Boni & Liveright, New York, 1927

About this Item

[2 (blank)], xvi, 396, [2 (blank)] pp. 8vo. 8-3/8" x 5-5/8" Lindsey "was an American judge and social reformer based in Denver during the Progressive Era. He was instrumental in the establishment of the juvenile court system. Among other measures to which Lindsey contributed his influence were a reform of the registration law, greatly reducing election frauds; a reform of the ballot; state provisions for the support of the dependents of people serving in prison; extension of the probation system for prisoners; organization of public baths and playgrounds in Denver; the institution of the fresh-air movement in Denver; and enactment of statewide Mother's Pension Law. This work proposed a controversial theory about what Lindsday "called The Companionate Marriage, in which he suggested that young men and women should be able to live together in a trial marriage, where the couple could have a year to evaluate whether or not they were suitable with each other. The only caveat was they had to agree not to have children. If after a year, the couple decided to stay together, they could do so, but if the relationship didn't work out, they would be able to dissolve the relationship easily. Also, if they decided they were compatible and did want children, they could change the status of their relationship to a traditionally understood marriage. Lindsey's publication "aroused strong emotions; a number of priests and ministers, as well as civic leaders accused him of promoting immorality, promiscuity and free love, charges that he denied. At one point, even the Pope spoke out against him. Bertrand Russell, in his 1929 book Marriage and Morals, wrote approvingly of Lindsey's proposals but observed that they 'were received with a howl of horror by all middle-aged persons and most of the newspapers throughout the length and breadth of America.' In Denver, he was ousted from the bench, after 28 years of service. Time expressed the view that his views on companionate marriage had destroyed his reputation. Nevertheless, Lindsey continued to defend his views on radio and in a series of speaking engagements." [Wiki]. Gilt bright, square & tight, a VG+ copy in a lightly edgworn, price-clipped VG+ jacket. Blue cloth binding with gilt stamped title lettering to backstrip. Buff paper jacket printed in black & red 1st edition. INSCRIBED PRESENTATION copy, SIGNED "To Walter E. Stoddard / with the compliments of / Ben B. Lindsey [underscore] / Apl 27/33." Stoddard presumed to be the Sacramento book collector, fl 1910 - 1950.

Seller Inventory # 52009

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The COMPANIONATE MARRIAGE
• Publisher: Boni & Liveright, New York
• Publication Date: 1927
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)
• Seller catalogs:
  • Potpourri