Rating: 
Summary: Intellectually Provocative
Review: This book is a delightful work of journalism, sociology, philosophy and wicked humor, not to mention a very clever intellectual work. I found myself impressed with the scope of Mr. Friedman's research, and also with the skill with which he presents even handed descriptions of 'sensitive' issues. I'm just dying to discuss all the new facts I've learned, but everyone just gives me funny looks when I say something like, "I am Osiris the stiff of penis!" I consider myself to be a femminist, and I think it is the duty of those who profess interest in a better society to learn to see life from another's perspective (or at least to be curious!). This book helped me begin to comprehend the question I always wonder "why are they always so freaking obsessed with it?" and "why would they ever think women would envy something so you can get caught in a zipper?" Go get this book, you won't regret it!
Rating:
Summary: Surprisingly good!
Review: This elongated book covers how human beings thought of the penis. What some may assume to be a light, caustic treatment requires some background in theology, classical philosophy, church history, Freudian psychology and 20th century feminism. By treating these and other topics Friedman has constructed a book that describes how humans viewed sexuality, especially the role of the penis. At times the penis is considered the source of evil and original sin, at other times man's greatest accomplishment. In almost cyclical ways the penis is reviled and adored. It seems that at least in medical science myths and incredible conclusions stand side by side with revelations that give humans true insight. One wonders if what we know now is as undependable as some of medicine's earlier forays into the study of the penis. Friedman ends his book in the Age of Viagra, pointing out that there are no long-range studies of men's uses of this drug. Who knows what we may discover about this. Certainly some men have been experiencing heart problems in conjunction with the use of this drug. But what the drug accomplishes is to move a man's relationship to his penis away from being out of control to well within his power to control. And while some feminists see Viagra as a backward step to men understanding that sex is based on relationship, nevertheless many men are finding that their urological problems are not relational. Friedman makes medical and philosophical matters palpable and readable for many interested in this treatment.
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