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beanaroni's review against another edition
funny
informative
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Injury/Injury detail
savage_book_review's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.5
Picked this up as it's included in my Audible subscription and I really enjoy the author's podcast, 'Betwixt the Sheets'. Kate Lister is an engaging and energetic historian, who deals with the history of sex, scandal and society with frankness, openness and with a lighthearted humour that still manages to convey the more serious side of the subject.
As she states, it would be impossible to present a comprehensive history of this topic, so she has chosen to focus more on curiosities and less considered topics in this book. For example, drawing a link between the invention of the bicycle and the emancipation (sexual, fashionable and political) of women. It comes across as well researched, well presented and well balanced - although the author's opinions are clearly recognisable throughout, it is first and foremost a history, reporting the facts as they are known. In some respects this was a little disconcerting for me as I am used to hearing more of her own thoughts and opinions via the podcast, but it was interesting to experience this more scholarly side to her.
Clearly, there is a lot of explicit language and descriptive imagery throughout. Indeed, there is a whole chapter dedicated to the history of the 'c' bomb! It should be squirm-inducing, but the author takes pride in shining a light on these private practices and stressing that there is nothing to be ashamed of. The point is repeatedly made that shame around the subject is purely a social construct and that discussions about sex should be far more common. Likewise, although not said directly, the message that comes across is that as long as what you are up to is legal, safe and between consenting adults, you do you.
It's really interesting to see the changes in the perception of sex over the centuries, and the debunking of a few myths about the most 'liberated' and 'repressed' eras of history. I also love how she has included various euphemisms in the text for various sexual acts, and notes the earliest date that we have evidence they were used. Some are well known and still common, others really show their age and definitely raise a giggle! In some regards, I would like the book to have been longer so that more subjects could have been covered. Equally, she addresses the fact that she can only report these things on the basis of her own experiences and life - she sensitively deals with questions of race, gender and sexual orientation where they arise, acknowledging that she cannot possibly reflect all the nuances because she does not necessarily form part of the community being discussed. This gentle approach is a positive reflection of the progress made when compared with the historical sources quoted in the text, which were produced by such a narrow section of society.
I wouldn't say that any of the topics covered are obscure, but I'd argue that some may be a little too 'niche'. Part of me wonders if the book might appeal to a wider readership if it had chosen broader subject matter and explored the more general history of sex and relationships and historical perceptions thereof, rather than the specific subjects mentioned. Nevertheless, it is a very interesting read!
The one criticism I do have is that there are a few phrases and details that are repeated on several occasions throughout, sometimes almost verbatim and sometimes within the space of a couple of pages (or even paragraphs). Nothing another pass with an editor couldn't fix, but I found myself getting a bit frustrated when it kept happening.
For the audiobook, the narration was not as smooth and enjoyable as I had hoped it would be. When the author is reading her own words, it works brilliantly - her voice is conversational, light and easy to listen to. However, when faced with quotations from sources and the pronunciation of names from history or of foreign writers, her reading becomes incredibly stilted; it sounds like she hasn't practiced the pronunciation in advance and is trying to sound it out there and then. There are also a few moments where a name or a date gets absorbed into the text surrounding it so it's a little unclear what she's quoting from. Of course, reading the physical version would negate these issues.
An interesting read.
As she states, it would be impossible to present a comprehensive history of this topic, so she has chosen to focus more on curiosities and less considered topics in this book. For example, drawing a link between the invention of the bicycle and the emancipation (sexual, fashionable and political) of women. It comes across as well researched, well presented and well balanced - although the author's opinions are clearly recognisable throughout, it is first and foremost a history, reporting the facts as they are known. In some respects this was a little disconcerting for me as I am used to hearing more of her own thoughts and opinions via the podcast, but it was interesting to experience this more scholarly side to her.
Clearly, there is a lot of explicit language and descriptive imagery throughout. Indeed, there is a whole chapter dedicated to the history of the 'c' bomb! It should be squirm-inducing, but the author takes pride in shining a light on these private practices and stressing that there is nothing to be ashamed of. The point is repeatedly made that shame around the subject is purely a social construct and that discussions about sex should be far more common. Likewise, although not said directly, the message that comes across is that as long as what you are up to is legal, safe and between consenting adults, you do you.
It's really interesting to see the changes in the perception of sex over the centuries, and the debunking of a few myths about the most 'liberated' and 'repressed' eras of history. I also love how she has included various euphemisms in the text for various sexual acts, and notes the earliest date that we have evidence they were used. Some are well known and still common, others really show their age and definitely raise a giggle! In some regards, I would like the book to have been longer so that more subjects could have been covered. Equally, she addresses the fact that she can only report these things on the basis of her own experiences and life - she sensitively deals with questions of race, gender and sexual orientation where they arise, acknowledging that she cannot possibly reflect all the nuances because she does not necessarily form part of the community being discussed. This gentle approach is a positive reflection of the progress made when compared with the historical sources quoted in the text, which were produced by such a narrow section of society.
I wouldn't say that any of the topics covered are obscure, but I'd argue that some may be a little too 'niche'. Part of me wonders if the book might appeal to a wider readership if it had chosen broader subject matter and explored the more general history of sex and relationships and historical perceptions thereof, rather than the specific subjects mentioned. Nevertheless, it is a very interesting read!
The one criticism I do have is that there are a few phrases and details that are repeated on several occasions throughout, sometimes almost verbatim and sometimes within the space of a couple of pages (or even paragraphs). Nothing another pass with an editor couldn't fix, but I found myself getting a bit frustrated when it kept happening.
For the audiobook, the narration was not as smooth and enjoyable as I had hoped it would be. When the author is reading her own words, it works brilliantly - her voice is conversational, light and easy to listen to. However, when faced with quotations from sources and the pronunciation of names from history or of foreign writers, her reading becomes incredibly stilted; it sounds like she hasn't practiced the pronunciation in advance and is trying to sound it out there and then. There are also a few moments where a name or a date gets absorbed into the text surrounding it so it's a little unclear what she's quoting from. Of course, reading the physical version would negate these issues.
An interesting read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Homophobia, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Transphobia, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Abortion, Lesbophobia, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
amylangdown_'s review
challenging
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
I listened to the audio version of this book, and completed it in under 48 hours. The history in the book is so well explained and cited and interesting, and it’s told in a way that made me laugh out loud many times. It looks at taboo and shame and language in such a brilliant way. I’d really recommend it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia and Racism
Minor: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
thewildeausten's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
mari1532's review against another edition
dark
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
3.5
I listened to this book with Audible.
Brief Summary: Lister explores the history of sex and the human species. Each section of the book focuses on popular subtopics associated with sex throughout history including sex and money, sex and food, and sex and machines. Lister uses the historical record and humor to describe and discuss each topic.
Thoughts: I have been following Lister's Instagram account for awhile now and finally started listening to her brilliant podcast, Betwixt the Sheets. When I realized one of her books was on Audible and included in the subscription I jumped at the chance to listen to her research in depth.
This is an incredibly interesting book about sex, sexuality, and the human experience. I wish that this were required reading in many health classes as it tackles some very pertinent topics and misconceptions related to reproduction and sexual health. Lister is also an entertaining writer and presenter. Some of the information that she discuses as practices are both puzzling to learn about about and entertaining.
If you want to have a great time, learn something, and combat patriarchal understanding of human sexuality this is a great book to start with.
Brief Summary: Lister explores the history of sex and the human species. Each section of the book focuses on popular subtopics associated with sex throughout history including sex and money, sex and food, and sex and machines. Lister uses the historical record and humor to describe and discuss each topic.
Thoughts: I have been following Lister's Instagram account for awhile now and finally started listening to her brilliant podcast, Betwixt the Sheets. When I realized one of her books was on Audible and included in the subscription I jumped at the chance to listen to her research in depth.
This is an incredibly interesting book about sex, sexuality, and the human experience. I wish that this were required reading in many health classes as it tackles some very pertinent topics and misconceptions related to reproduction and sexual health. Lister is also an entertaining writer and presenter. Some of the information that she discuses as practices are both puzzling to learn about about and entertaining.
If you want to have a great time, learn something, and combat patriarchal understanding of human sexuality this is a great book to start with.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Infertility, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Abortion, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
devonjones's review
dark
funny
informative
medium-paced
4.0
Just to be clear: this is a book about history and anthropology, and is *deeply* unerotic. It's informative and funny, but also focuses on many of the dark sides of health, law, and society.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Abortion
Moderate: Transphobia and Blood
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
shellll's review
informative
medium-paced
5.0
Super informative book, complete with references, in which we learn that our ancestors have been having sex and thinking about sex, just as we do! There are pictures that help provide context. It is a very fun and informative read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
lauryn_with_a_y's review
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Abortion, and Sexual harassment
chickhen's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
This was a truly brilliant read. Once I started it was hard to put it down. The audiobook is also a treat as it is read by Dr Kate Lister and she brings all the charm, humour, and seriousness (when relevant) you might expect. It was a wonderfully funny way to learn about an immense about of history that I would recommend to literally anyone. Made me laugh and made me cry.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia, Racism, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
All of the content warnings are spoken about academically.t_higgsreviews's review against another edition
funny
informative
fast-paced
4.75
4.75 Stars
CAWPILE = 8.93
CAWPILE = 8.93
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual content, Medical content, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Death and Abortion
Minor: Vomit