Henry Reed Stiles

The book may have numerous typos or missing text. It is not illustrated or indexed. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from the publisher's website. You can also preview the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a trial membership in the publisher's book club where they can select from more than a million books for free. Original Publisher: Pub. by subscription Publication date: 1870 Subjects: Brooklyn (New York, N. Y.); Bushwick (New York, N. Y.); Williamsburg (New York, N. Y.); Bushwick, N. Y; History / United States / General; History / United States / State

Bundling was the traditional practice of wrapping one person in a bed accompanied by another, usually as a part of courting behavior--essentially, dating in bed. The tradition is thought to have originated either in the Netherlands or in the British Isles

First published in 2006. In this famous survey of pre-martial courting customs in early America, Stiles traces the origin, progress and decline of bundling in America. He proves that bundling, a custom brought to American by the Puritans, was common at various times in many lands as far back as ancient Rome and that it arose out of real need rather than licentiousness. Controversial at the time, this book was banned in Boston when it was first published.

Bundling was an important part of American courting life, enjoyed by all good country maids and men and blessed by honest folk. During the nineteenth century, many elders clothed bundling in a licentious mantle, and a dark veil was drawn over the subject. Henry Reed Stiles, no believer in the theory that objectionable portions of history should be kept in the shadows, here defrocks these misconceptions and sheds light on this lost American custom and its origins. This book was banned in Boston in 1872.