Bundling; Its Origin, Progress and Decline in America

"Bundling; Its Origin, Progress and Decline in America" by Henry Reed Stiles is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work examines the custom of bundling—a practice where unmarried couples spent the night together in the same bed while fully clothed—tracing its origins and developments throughout various societies, particularly in New England. The author aims to demystify the cultural implications and social perceptions surrounding bundling, as well as to clarify its historical context in American life. The opening of the book sets the stage by addressing a previous controversy surrounding Stiles's remarks on bundling in his earlier works. The preface details criticisms he faced from his peers regarding his characterization of the practice and defends the detailed exploration he undertakes in this essay. Using a mix of historical discourse, anecdotal evidence, and definitions from various sources, Stiles emphasizes the practical and social aspects of bundling, providing insights into how it was perceived in both America and Europe over time, while preparing the reader for a deeper investigation into the customs and their decline in contemporary society.