This book contains the work of seven leading anthropologists on the subject of ritualized homosexuality, and it marks the first time that anthropologists have systematically studied cross-cultural variations in homosexual behavior in a non-Western culture area. The book as a whole indicates that contemporary theories of sex and gender development need revision in light of the Melanesian findings.

Gilbert H. Herdt is Professor of Human Sexuality Studies at San Francisco State University.

Alfred C. Kinsey Scholarly Writing Award, North American Man/Boy Love Association