Editors' Note

This issue represents my first contribution as editor to the continuing legacy of the Journal of the History of Sexuality. I am extremely proud to be involved in such a worthwhile endeavor and hope that I can maintain the standard of excellence set by my predecessors, John Fout, William N. Bonds, and Barbara Loomis, and by the several guest editors over the years, including most recently Julian Carter and Lesley A. Hall. I am fortunate to begin with four excellent essays, representing the sophistication of the field of the history of sexuality that past issues have also shown. The book reviews contained in this issue also demonstrate the depth and vibrancy of the field.

I want to thank the immediate past editors, Bill and Barbara, for their generous mentorship. I am also grateful for the encouragement and support of Joanne Ferraro, chair of the History Department at San Diego State University, and of all my colleagues in the History Department. Adriana Putko, administrator of the History Department, and Bonnie Akashian and Robert Wallace, administrative assistants in the department, were also invaluable in countless ways in helping me to get the new Editorial Office open and running. I am also very grateful for financial assistance from Paul Wong, dean of the College of Arts and Letters at San Diego State University, and financial advice from Nancy Lemkie, director of development for the college. A grant for startup funds from the President's Leadership Fund of San Diego State University, with the support of Nancy Marlin, provost, and Stephen Weber, president, and the help of Joanne Donahoe, assistant director of University Advancement, was very much appreciated. This manifold support will be sure to make my term as editor a rewarding and uncomplicated time and will permit me to serve the journal well.

Nonetheless, since change is always healthy, I am considering a number of small changes to the format of the journal. I do not wish to fix what isn't broken; these changes are intended solely to enhance its appeal and usefulness to those of us who work in the field. At the moment I am investigating the possibility of including edited and translated primary sources of interest, comparative review essays of several books on related topics, and film reviews. Please let me know what you think about these changes and if you have other suggestions for improvements. Email me at jhistsex@mail.sdsu.edu. Let me assure you, the readers, that I intend to respect and preserve the quality of the journal.