The title of this book would make some think that they would be reading about sex, sex techniques, etc. throughout history, but the book is more about our beliefs, mores, and knowledge about reproduction throughout the ages. Not a boring or hard read. Moves along quickly and held my interest throughout. This is the second copy of this book I have bought as my original copy was stolen out of my house by some visitor. Friends who have seen this in my bookcase want to borrow it and all who have read it told me... more info
Inaccurate and difficult to read:
Near the beginning, the author makes the ridiculous assertion that women can only be raped from the front. In the discussion of ancient Rome, she puts forth a theory that the Roman empire collapsed because the men of Rome allowed their women to buy too many material goods, thus creating a trade deficit. She states that Judaism encourages withdrawal as a method of birth control, when in fact withdrawal and condoms are the only two methods of birth control Orthodox Judaism FORBIDS. In the section on the Arab... more info
human history at its most basic:
as a history teacher, I found this book not only fascinating, but well written and very well researched. It's nice to find a book that attempts to discuss and compare the different cultural attitudes to sex, marriage and the roles of men and women without a judgmental approach to the subject. Too many books taint their studies with a western bias, but Tannahill does a fine job of looking ateach aspect from the perspective of that particular culture Enjoyable book. Get if if you are interested in... more info
Excellent, uninhibited book:
The the author is clearly not burdened by current Judeo-Christian taboos and puritanism and addresses questions with wit, candor and a massive intelligence. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and now i don't know what i will read next. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to understand not only the history of sex, but the history of humanity, and the current political and moral climate in the US.
