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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
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
frida12345's review against another edition
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming and Sexual content
Moderate: Misogyny, Racism, and Colonisation
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Rape, and Slavery
acemummerz's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
A wonderful fairly short text on the history of sex from a western/ UK perspective. Very well referenced with a multitude of links to other texts to expand your knowledge further. Funny and educational.
Content Warnings
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Child death, Death, Hate crime, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Slavery, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Abortion, Murder, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, and Classism
booksandlattesaddict's review against another edition
funny
informative
slow-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
tlholmes's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual content, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Abortion
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Chronic illness, Death, Fatphobia, Hate crime, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Blood, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Abortion, Pregnancy, Outing, Alcohol, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
bookishwondergoth's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
I absolutely bloody loved this book. Irreverent, exploratory, informative and funny, 'A Curious History of Sex' absolutely obliterated my post-travel reading slump and gave me much to think about and laugh about over the last couple of days. If you’ve ever followed Kate Lister on social media, you’ll already have a rough idea of what you’re getting into. I’ll never think of the humble bicycle in quite the same way again.
This was a very excellent overview of the history of sex which which covers off a wide-range of sex-related topics at a very high level (vaginas, clits, penises, orgasms, sex toys, reproduction, contraceptives, language, legislation, medicine, sex workers…). The history Kate delves into is pretty Western, cis, and hetero-centric, but she gives a little disclaimer/explanation at the beginning and also does try to discuss and bring in other cultures and sexualities where possible. Although I’d have personally loved a bit more in-depth intersectional analysis of certain topics, there is an extensive bibliography provided along with further reading suggestions, so I mostly just strapped myself in and enjoyed the ride.
And what a ride! Some of the things human have made up or surmised with regards to sex over the centuries are truly mind-boggling and laugh out loud hilarious. Of course, on the flip side of that, humans have done a lot of fucked up, batshit crazy stuff to do with sex as well. Kate Lister drags it all out in the open and presents it with its pants down for all of us to see. Despite her academic credentials, her writing style is very informal, littered with historical slang and sprinkled with her own wry observations that I personally found very easy and an absolute delight to read. For those who don’t know Kate Lister, she is a very sex-positive and outspoken feminist who is absolutely not afraid to give her (very informed) opinion on contentious issues such as abortion and prostitution. I personally love this about her writing, but if you’re seeking a drier, more academic and objective tone when it comes to your sex history, you probably won’t find it here.
My edition of this book is also packed full of beautiful colour images that really enhanced my reading experience. They’re not at all safe for work, obviously, but definitely made me smile or wince upon multiple occasions.
Speaking of wincing, this is an adult non-fiction book about the history of sex—which is often disgusting and brutal. Expect graphic scenes of sexual and medical content, accounts and instances of sexual violence, horrifying contemporary sources packed full of sexism, misogyny and more, and an entire chapter dedicated to FGM which still managed to trigger a vasovagal syncope episode from me, despite in-text warnings from Lister.
A very thought-provoking and compulsively readable popular science book that I cannot recommend highly enough. Loved it.
This was a very excellent overview of the history of sex which which covers off a wide-range of sex-related topics at a very high level (vaginas, clits, penises, orgasms, sex toys, reproduction, contraceptives, language, legislation, medicine, sex workers…). The history Kate delves into is pretty Western, cis, and hetero-centric, but she gives a little disclaimer/explanation at the beginning and also does try to discuss and bring in other cultures and sexualities where possible. Although I’d have personally loved a bit more in-depth intersectional analysis of certain topics, there is an extensive bibliography provided along with further reading suggestions, so I mostly just strapped myself in and enjoyed the ride.
And what a ride! Some of the things human have made up or surmised with regards to sex over the centuries are truly mind-boggling and laugh out loud hilarious. Of course, on the flip side of that, humans have done a lot of fucked up, batshit crazy stuff to do with sex as well. Kate Lister drags it all out in the open and presents it with its pants down for all of us to see. Despite her academic credentials, her writing style is very informal, littered with historical slang and sprinkled with her own wry observations that I personally found very easy and an absolute delight to read. For those who don’t know Kate Lister, she is a very sex-positive and outspoken feminist who is absolutely not afraid to give her (very informed) opinion on contentious issues such as abortion and prostitution. I personally love this about her writing, but if you’re seeking a drier, more academic and objective tone when it comes to your sex history, you probably won’t find it here.
My edition of this book is also packed full of beautiful colour images that really enhanced my reading experience. They’re not at all safe for work, obviously, but definitely made me smile or wince upon multiple occasions.
Speaking of wincing, this is an adult non-fiction book about the history of sex—which is often disgusting and brutal. Expect graphic scenes of sexual and medical content, accounts and instances of sexual violence, horrifying contemporary sources packed full of sexism, misogyny and more, and an entire chapter dedicated to FGM which still managed to trigger a vasovagal syncope episode from me, despite in-text warnings from Lister.
A very thought-provoking and compulsively readable popular science book that I cannot recommend highly enough. Loved it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Child death, Death, Homophobia, Infertility, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Xenophobia, Medical content, Religious bigotry, Abortion, Pregnancy, Outing, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Rape, Torture, Blood, and Alcohol
Minor: Pedophilia, Suicide, Excrement, and Vomit
This is a book about the history of sex and human attitudes to sex, so naturally, all topics associated with that are included in this book, including: graphic sexual content; pornographic images; bizarre medical experimentation and eye-wateringly torturous-looking devices; classism; racism etc. plus contemporary quotes detailing explicit sexism, misogyny, homophobia and racism. Everything is carefully and factually presented. The author herself strongly condemns these attitudes and seeks to deconstruct them in her narrative. There is also an entire chapter dedicated to FGM. The author includes 'wince warnings' in context, and she is not kidding around. Heed her warnings!kiahsbooks's review
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Homophobia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
aileron's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, and Medical content
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
mateoj's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
4.0
very entertaining and informative, and I appreciated the extensive use of primary sources. It was a welcome surprise to read the disclaimer in the introduction acknowledging the existence of trans people and the fact that primary sources almost always take a cisgendered view on sex and genitalia, but I do wish Lister had done more in her own use of language to try and correct that instead of just offering a disclaimer and going on to adhere to that cis-centric perspective. A few "people with vulvas" and "people with penises" would not have been unwelcome, but nonetheless I have to give her credit for even acknowledging the issue at all. The condemnation of FOSTA/SESTA and explicit support of sex workers was also a welcome surprise.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Medical content, Abortion, Pregnancy, and Colonisation