The first "perverse" Review

Pasquale Penta and his pioneering studies on sexual psychopathy

Abstract

In 1896, in a very bigoted and puritan Italy, the psychiatrist and criminal anthropologist Pasquale Penta launched the “Archivio delle psicopatie sessuali”, the world’s first Review to directly address sexual deviance. Its purpose was to promote scientific understanding of sexuality, especially its pathological forms. Despite the unique nature of the journal and the more than satisfactory sales, it ceased publication after only one year. No official explanation was given. This article will retrace the path that led Penta to establish the Review and to identify the possible reasons for the interruption of his pioneering venture.