Reviews for O: The Intimate History of the Orgasm

The average rating for O: The Intimate History of the Orgasm based on 2 reviews is 4 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2009-04-03 00:00:00 Lindsie Garrett HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION! (I took a long time on this, but it's densely packed with info and I wanted to take it slow; I like to take it slow, if you know what I mean...heh) I mean this book is like the WHOLE HISTORY OF SEX, not just orgasm. It's so detailed and comprehensive and fascinating. I may have to buy this one as a shelf reference. ------ 40 years ago there was a book by a Dr. David Reuben, "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Sex But Were Afraid to Ask" (subsequently a Woody Allen film...) Well, this book could easily be given that title, too. There's almost TOO MUCH information, which is why it's taking me awhile to get through it, but it is as interesting as can be. I mean this book goes WAY BACK into the antiquity to describe the sex practices and attitudes of the ancients in Greece, China, India, Egypt, Rome and then into the repressive eras of Medieval times (some of the outrageous forms of repression are as interesting as some of the free-sex practices of earlier times). The convergence of sex and religion and also the positive attitudes in cultures toward women and sex in the past might surprise you. It delves, too, into all manner of sex practices in more recent times and places, some of which are very disturbing - all with the intent purpose of getting off. There is much also about the physical aspects of sex and orgasm, about why the clitoris may have evolved - anthropologists are all over the map on this one, and all the theories are presented and explained. Past the halfway point now and have to say, this merits a highest recommendation. ------- (some earlier comments): The big O, not Oprah, although she probably thinks she has a trademark... This is the history of this thing that preoccupies so much of our consciousness and drives so much of our history: namely, getting off. Margolis looks at it from every which way and even in the opening chapters he covers a lot of historical, physiological, psychological, chemical, cultural, sociological, emotional and anecdotal ground -- all in easy flowing prose that is refreshingly non-academic. There's a passage here where Margolis describes the rapid physical changes under way in men and women's bodies as they proceed with their courtship from a romantic dinner to the sexual act, and I have to say that it gave me an erection whereas some allegedly erotic novels such as Nicholson Baker's "Vox" failed to do so. This should not be a boring topic. Luckily, this author doesn't let it be. A quarter of the way through...this book is not just the history of orgasm, but the history of human sex and sexual practice through the ages. Excellent.

Review # 2 was written on 2019-08-13 00:00:00 Bryan Preston 130819: taken as popular history this is three. i have not read much to compare, but there seems little original research, much collection, much historical narrative. i must remember this is 'history' and as such limited in sources, to certain writers, populace, gender- as much this is not an area of great past research, not taken seriously as wars, revolutions etc, though there is reasonable argument that the 'pursuit' of orgasms has been major force in all human lives... and yes, from recorded beginnings, there were all kinds of linkages between orgasm and spiritual grace etc... and probably all kinds of ways to satisfy 'pursuit'... so maybe the title is selling, but it is indeed true that there is history. from general sketches of ancient greeks, romans, indians, chinese etc through middle ages christianity. against official line, it is suggested we westerners have mistakenly read our history sexless rather than bawdy, that the orgasm is an original and abiding concern. one part that surprises me, though i have been familiar with the idea orgasms are more intense for women... this much? and essentially multiple? is this new 'performance anxiety' for men that they should now 'deliver' no less... and similar anxiety for women that they should 'achieve' no less? is this one reason masturbation is popular... the author drafts in michel foucault to argue it is part of the modern age to socially control then medicalize sex... as also against official line the repressive aspects of the 'victorian age' are overstated... there are some ways this refers to english cultural markers, but mostly it is international... then as he approaches more recent decades, there is much statistics and some hopeful predictions where 'pursuit' is going... and you will probably learn some new details in this popular way...?