Sexy Origins and Intimate Things: The Rites and Rituals of Straights, Gays, Bis, Drags, Trans, Virgins, and Others

by Charles Panati

Book Overview

Where did the word love come from? Has there ever been a gay pope? How did Valentine's Day originate? From the lascivious to the romantic, from the hard-core to the scientific and the scholarly, this... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140271449
• ISBN13: 9780140271447
• Release Date: April 1998
• Publisher: Penguin Group
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.0" x 9.1"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

A mix of history, trivia, and tittilation

Sexy Origins is a fascinating book that details the history and lore behind everything related to sex and sexuality... History buffs looking for something different, trivia lovers, or readers who are interested in sexuality will love this book. It is well-written and well-researched. The facts are broken up with humor, quotes, quirky illustrations, and interesting anecdotes. Panati also does a good job of presenting opposing viewpoints objectively but modernly. As might be expected in a book like this, there are many delicate subjects that are broached, including the objectification of women and their subordination. Panati presents objective information in these instances, but sometimes also provides his (refreshingly modern) take on things to balance out the perspective the reader is presented with.Admittedly, it is difficult to read this book continuously. I read it from cover to cover, but read it over the course of a year or so. After reading Sexy Origins, you will definitely come away with fresh perspective and insight on human sexuality.

very well researched

very well researche

Cannot be read in one sitting, but you will want to try.

Two of my favourite subjects...sex and trivia. The presentation is easy to read without a lot of dry, pompous prose, and I actually learnt stuff I did not already know! I enjoyed the humour, the genuine information and the expanding of my horizons.A wonderful gift for the over 21 to under 105 man/woman/other who finds sex fascinating.

Shockingly fascinating, a damn good read.

Panati always puts on a good show. His funambulism is tempered and unpretentious, so when it is time to regurgitate your new-found trivia you don't have to be so modest. Fascinating.

Sexy, sultry, witty, learned, fun, a must-read

Origins of everything about sex: The Finger, Drag, Stilettos, Condom, Vibrator, History's First Love Poem, Peep Show, Porn, First Prostitute, First Hustler, terms like "blow job," "prick," the C-word and the F-word, At what age goes a man's penis stop growing? Why do men have nipples? The three gay Popes...etc.