The Ultimate Guide to Anal Sex for Men - guides to a better sex by Cleis Press Inc. - review by Hunter Rhodes

The link by Bill Brent is a great choice for a man who wants to learn more about experiencing anal pleasure by himself or with others. This book addresses the range of men who have only wondered about anal penetration with a finger to those who want to begin fisting. Brent’s book is a must read for the anal curious or novice.

The author focuses mostly on helping men as “receivers” but also talks to men who want to penetrate someone else. Men who have experimented and experienced a lot with anal play should know this is not a book about 101 new anal sex positions and tricks for the back-door savvy: it’s really the Ultimate Guide for beginners. While women will find useful information, there is a lot of good material here that speaks to a male audience and probably some material missing that would truly benefit a woman.

Brent covers all the necessary topics of discussion always framed in terms of safety and good health. The author doesn’t moralize but provides honest information regarding health risks associated with choices. Brent starts by speaking to men’s basic fears about and barriers to anal pleasure, as well as providing a primer on relevant male and female anatomy. Using clear description and a few diagrams, Brent takes the reader through the process of penetration and learning how to relax for anal play. The author also talks about selecting and using toys, lubes, and harnesses.

Throughout the book Brent addresses hygiene options for both body and toys. While the advice on hygiene may sometimes seem excessive, in so doing Brent provides you with a range of options for maintaining the safest anal experience (e.g., a three step toy disinfecting process [Author’s note: Because I don’t share toys the process is a bit much for me.]).

For those already familiar with anal pleasures, Brent provides some information that may open new options for you. He includes a chapter on fisting, another that gives a brief overview of S/M, scat play and several other fetishes, and a chapter on recreational drug use and sex. The resource chapter on further reading, viewing, and shopping at the end of the book is quite nice. I was only slightly disappointed with the chapter on communication. While the book does address introducing anal play to a partner and ways to keep safe communication during anal intercourse, I would like to have heard a little more, especially since this book is for those who are just starting.

For the man considering or just starting anal play this is a great read—a real field guide for the (male) anal novice. It may also fill in a few gaps for the experienced anal enthusiast but probably not too many. If you or your man are wondering about anal exploration, this is an ideal pick.