This well-researched volume describes the Fowler family, certainly the
most well-known and colourful "phrenological dynasty" of the 19th century.
Besides their obvious interest in Phrenology, the Fowlers were also active
in the reform movement, advocating sex education (a highly controversial
subject in those days), women's rights (protesting against the then fashionable
tight-laced corsets), and architecture (with the idea of octagon buildings).
The author clearly explains the important role played by Phrenology in
the definition of 19th century American culture, and by the Fowlers in
particular.