The Book of the Penis - Hardcover

Paley, Maggie

3.41

131 ratings by Goodreads

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0802116485 ISBN 13: 9780802116482

Publisher: Grove Press / Atlantic Monthly Press, 1999

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The almighty penis (a.k.a. dick, schlong, pecker, rod, tool, johnson, etc.) has long been a major object of adoration, revulsion, ridicule, amazement, joy, pride, and even frustration. But does anyone really, fully understand the penis? Novelist, playwright, and journalist Maggie Paley completely submerged herself in the obsessive world of this most forthright of organs -- from ancient Greece to the modern-day Internet -- for well over a year. She pored over scholarly volumes, anthropology texts, and sex-shop glossies; interviewed sex workers, transsexuals, and phallus connoisseurs of all stripes; attended male strip shows and a Hindu lingam ceremony; visited Web sites where men share masturbation techniques; and even searched out a New York City urologist rumored to be in possession of Napoleon's penis. And, yes, she objectively addresses the big question: "Does size matter?" Along the way, we encounter deliciously entertaining and highly informative chapters on penis worship, fellatio, and men who are famous for their dicks, as well as the penis in art, fashion, literature, films, and much more.This handsomely designed bedside companion, delightfully illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier, virtually erupts with facts, fallacies, fantasies, and amazing adventures, and is the perfect gift for women and men, straight and gay. It's certain to develop classic stature.

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From the Publisher:

Book description
In The Book of the Penis, Maggie Paley seeks to demystify one of the most venerated phenomena of our time. This witty and compelling book dares to uncover the secret world of the most forthright of organs. Revealing truths and insights from ancient Greece to modern day cyberspace, with research ranging from anthropology texts to sex-shop magazines and a Hindu lingham ceremony, the author deftly untangles fact from fiction to debunk numerous popular myths and misconceptions. Interspersed with humorous illustrations, you will also find all you need to know about piercing, tattooing and penis enhancement surgery and much more. Entertaining and informative, without being lewd or crude, this book opens up a universal subject to women and men, gay or straight, in an approachable and light-hearted way. - ground breaking, thought provoking and well researched - certain to develop classic stature

Synopsis:

Describe the structure and functioning of the penis, looks at its role in myth, art, and fashion, and discusses castration, circumcision, masturbation, pornographic films, and male prostitutes.

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