Three Contributions to the Theory of Sex by Sigmund Freud is a thought-provoking and controversial book that challenges societal norms and sheds light on the complexities of human sexuality. Freud delves into the intricacies of human psychology and explores the role of sexuality in shaping our behaviors and relationships.

Throughout the book, Freud presents his theories on infantile sexuality, the taboo of incest, and the concept of sexual perversions. While some of his ideas may be considered outdated or controversial in today's society, Freud's insights have had a profound impact on the field of psychology and continue to influence our understanding of human sexuality.

One of the strengths of this book is Freud's ability to provoke critical thinking and challenge traditional beliefs about sexuality. Readers may find themselves questioning their own assumptions and gaining a deeper understanding of the complexities of human behavior.

Overall, Three Contributions to the Theory of Sex is a fascinating and challenging read that offers valuable insights into the workings of the human mind. Whether you agree or disagree with Freud's theories, this book is sure to spark lively debates and inspire further exploration into the nature of sexuality and human behavior.

Book Description:
In this little book Freud discusses three areas of human sexuality:
1. Sexual perversions or aberrations. In this essay, Freud concludes that "a disposition to perversions is an original and universal disposition of the human sexual instinct and that...this postulated constitution, containing the germs of all the perversions, will only be demonstrable in children“.
2. His second essay on "The Infantile Sexuality", argues that children have sexual urges, from which adult sexuality only gradually emerges via psychosexual development. Looking at children, Freud identified many forms of infantile sexual emotions, including thumb sucking, autoeroticism, and sibling rivalry in childhood.
3. In his third essay, "The Transformations of Puberty", Freud formalized the distinction between the 'fore-pleasures' of infantile sexuality and the 'end-pleasure' of sexual intercourse. He also demonstrated how the adolescent years consolidate sexual identity under the dominance of the genitals in puberty.

Originally published in 1905, Freud added significant insights over the next three editions to increase the length to about double its original size. This is the third and last edition, published in 1920.