Customer Reviews

On Sex, Health and E.S.P.

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Riding on the coattails of renewed interest in her career, in large part due to her comeback role in Myra Breckinridge, a manuscript entitled "Mae West On Sex, Health & ESP," was prepared for publication. In October of 1975, Connie Schrader of Harcourt, Bruce, Jovanovich Inc. Publishers wrote to Stanley Musgrove, her agent, to ask "would Miss West consider changing the focus of her manuscript 'Health, Sex & ESP' to 'Mae West on Meditation, Health and Sex?' " As well, Schrader inquired if West would consider reorganizing the material and delete the section on her biography written by David Ray Johnson.
Schrader suggested, "the book might best be by Mae West alone. Could she add some of her own formulas for living? The memo also inquired if Canadian rights were available and if West would be willing to undertake a tour to promote the book." In a second memo to Musgrove dated two days later, Schrader informed him, "Boo-hoo! I love it. But it isn't right for us."
Unable to find an American publisher for her largely ghosted manuscript, West broadened her search and W.H. Allen in England eventually secured the rights.
Some of West's detractors had taken her comments on homosexuality out of context and narrowed their focus attacking her views expressed in the late 1920's. In a chapter entitled "The Third Sex," West put a more positive spin on her thoughts concerning gays in order to bring her line of thinking up to date with the liberal attitude of the day.
David Ray Johnson's essay, "An Historical And Interpretive Analysis Of The Development And Perpetuation Of The Mae West Phenomenon On Stage And Screen 1900 - 1970" formed a 72 page appendix to the book, and partially fullfilled the requirements for his masters of Arts Degree from Bowling Green State University in 1971.
Johnson sent West a copy of his thesis, and she was so flattered, he was invited to visit her as a guest at her Santa Monica beach house. Johnson arrived in Los Angeles, found work at Universial Studio as a tour guide and continued to live rent free at the beach house.
In my manuscript, "In Search of Mae West" which I am currently seeking a publisher, I outline the bizarre circumstances of the tragic demise of David Ray Johnson. Although West was indirectly connected to the sordid affair, she was anxious to keep her name out of the newspapers, and ensured that Johnson's body was returned to his family in Chicago.
Although Sex Health & ESP was not a best seller, West's sage advice shines through, and her observations on eating well, loving yourself and your partner, as well as being in touch with your inner self are still relevant today.

This book reveals West's beauty secrets and health regimens. A MUST for real Mae West collectors and is WAY out of print, and was never even released in the U.S.! It is ghost written, but very good. The ESP parts are fascinating.