MARGARET SANGER: Pioneer of Birth Control

On the sensible assumption that youngsters interested in Margaret Sanger are curious about birth control, this is as much an explanation of methods and a history of the movement as it is a biography--and therein lies its chief point of superiority over Coigney (above). Much of the personal material is compressed in a way that dilutes it (to call her father ""a local rebel"" doesn't do justice to his views or behavior), or suppressed in a way that protects Mrs. Sanger's reputation (see the references to Havelock Ellis and the handling of long-time suitor and second husband Noah Slee). ""Reserved"" is the most affirmative descriptor for the treatment of Margaret Sanger as a person; not so the discussions of abortion and early birth control methods, of developments on both sides of the Atlantic and why they were different. There are sharp vignettes of movement figures and precise details on trips abroad and legislative fights at home that are absent from Coigney; also, at the close, an attempt to bring the various strands (investigation, implementation) up to date. The bibliography contributes to this effort and, in keeping with the reference potential of the book, there is a thorough index. Mr. Lader is the author of the standard adult biography but Mr. Meltzer's social science expertise carries the day.