Gathorne-Hardy sympathetically reveals the complexity and obsessiveness of Kinsey, this century's first scientifically reputable sex researcher. His Sexual Behaviour in the Human Male (The Kinsey Report), based on over 18,000 case histories, was an explosive bestseller when it was published in 1948, as was his revolutionary book on female sexuality (1953), which disproved Freud's theory on the vaginal orgasm. According to this lively, comprehensive portrait, it was Kinsey's lonely childhood and strict Methodist upbringing which influenced his choice of career, combined with an obsession for collecting. An evangelist for guilt-free sex, the bisexual Kinsey was a charismatic lecturer who personally collected sexual histories from thousands of people; explored his own sexuality with his wife, colleagues, friends and strangers; and pioneered the observation and filming of sexual activity. Where would modern western society be without him?