<< 1 >>
Rating: Summary: Fascinating! Review: Answers everything you ever wanted to know about sex..and then some!! For instance, did you know that the word "testify" is derived from the latin for testicle? Yes, it's true..before there were bibles to swear on, men swore on their testicles. Did you know that Frenchmen wore the first high heels? Women didn't wear them until the 18th century, but men liked the way they made their legs look! Ever wonder why men have nipples? Read this book...it's fun, flaky and fascinating.
Rating: Summary: A mix of history, trivia, and tittilation Review: 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.
Rating: Summary: Slightly flawed but entertaining Review: This book is fairly comprehensive and far-reaching for its topic and contains the expected multitude of interesting details, as I've come to expect from my previous experiences with Panati's books. However, be forewarned that this particular book is not all-new, as Panati has indeed borrowed some portions of his previous books, though not enough to be glaring. More glaring, I think, is that this book contains the occasional turn of phrase or casting of fact that would make any "sexually liberated" woman (and perhaps man) flinch. The book is best when it presents facts instead of trying to explain for them a gendered context. In addition, the book contains a stunning amount of typos and incorrect words (repeatedly substituting "women" for "woman", etc.). I noted on the average one error for every ten pages. This deficiency is of course not necessarily the fault of the author, but I have to wonder at the publishing house (or at least, the copy editor) for letting this slip. These are not fatal flaws, however, and I do believe that anyone who's enjoyed Panati's previous efforts and has an interest in the subject would probably find plenty of interest in this one.
Rating: Summary: Slightly flawed but entertaining Review: This book is fairly comprehensive and far-reaching for its topic and contains the expected multitude of interesting details, as I've come to expect from my previous experiences with Panati's books. However, be forewarned that this particular book is not all-new, as Panati has indeed borrowed some portions of his previous books, though not enough to be glaring. More glaring, I think, is that this book contains the occasional turn of phrase or casting of fact that would make any "sexually liberated" woman (and perhaps man) flinch. The book is best when it presents facts instead of trying to explain for them a gendered context. In addition, the book contains a stunning amount of typos and incorrect words (repeatedly substituting "women" for "woman", etc.). I noted on the average one error for every ten pages. This deficiency is of course not necessarily the fault of the author, but I have to wonder at the publishing house (or at least, the copy editor) for letting this slip. These are not fatal flaws, however, and I do believe that anyone who's enjoyed Panati's previous efforts and has an interest in the subject would probably find plenty of interest in this one.
Rating: Summary: Excellent research material as well as brain candy Review: This book is not only well researched, but an enjoyable read. It is one of the most intriguing books I've read in a while. A must-have for scholars as well as trivia lovers.
<< 1 >>
|