Tab Article

Genre: Humor, Satire, Relationships, Gender Studies (historical), Vintage, Men's Interest.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

Book Review:
''Great Pan: How to Avoid Matrimony'' is a fascinating and controversial period piece from mid-20th century Britain, published by Pan Books. Marketed ''Strictly for Rogue Males,'' it purports to be a guide for bachelors on how to enjoy the benefits of relationships with women without the commitment of marriage. The book employs a tone of cynical, laddish humor and categorizes women in outdated and derogatory terms like ''debs,'' ''plebs,'' and ''show girls.'' While it may have been intended as satire or cheeky humor in its time, it now reads as a stark reflection of the casual misogyny and transactional view of relationships prevalent in certain segments of post-war society. It holds value primarily as a historical artifact for studying changing social attitudes toward gender, marriage, and sexuality, rather than as a guide with any contemporary relevance or moral standing.