Summary
Originally published in the early 20th century, Self Knowledge and Guide to Sex Instruction by Thomas W.
Shannon is a didactic manual aimed at educating individuals—particularly young men and women—on topics of human anatomy, reproduction, morality, hygiene, and personal conduct related to sexuality and gender roles.
Presented as a tool for “character development,” the book reflects the cultural and moral attitudes of its time, promoting chastity, modesty, and the importance of marriage as a moral framework for sexual behavior.
It covers:
Basic biological facts about male and female bodies,
The functions of reproduction and development,
Guidance for young people entering adulthood,
Warnings against sexual vice and diseases,
And advice for parents and educators on how to discuss these topics with children.
The tone is earnest, moralizing, and protective, with an underlying goal of preserving social values and "purity." While outdated by modern scientific and social standards, it serves as an intriguing historical document showing how sex education was framed in a pre-modern, often religiously-influenced context.