Sexopedia - book discontinued by DK Publishing - review by Yoda

Sexopedia is written by Anne Hooper, a sex therapist who has written several other titles for DK books like Sex Play and Kama Sutra for 21st Century Lovers. Overall, I had an excellent opinion of her and her book. She writes in a friendly and welcoming voice, with no curt or broad-sweeping statements or opinions. Her writing is clear and easy to follow, and unlike the authors of some other sex books I've read, she avoids repeating herself in every chapter.

The true wealth of this book is in it's content. Simply put, it covers vastly more subjects related to sex than any other sex book I've seen. There are too many topics to mention in this review alone, but I'll try get the gist across.

The first section (roughly 32 pages) deals with social, psychological, and cultural aspects of sex. Here Hooper writes about love and relationships, dating and marriage, and the innate and learned attitudes towards sex as are commonly found in both men and women. In this section Hooper leans heavily on a number of major Sex Studies in both Britain and the U.S., showing her information and ideas to be well researched.

The second section (10 pages) covers human anatomy, hormones, and the science of sex and reproduction. This is the most fact-based part of the book. It's standard issue, but always useful. I've found that no matter how many times I read about the human body, I always learn something new that portents to sex.

Sections 3 and 4 (64 pages) cover the good stuff. Techniques in foreplay, massage, masturbation, tantric, anal, and oral are all covered in detail. And there are depictions and descriptions of an arsenal of positions, as well nearly ten pages on orgasm alone.

From sections 5 to 8 (almost 110 pages!) Sexopedia lives up to it's name. Hooper writes on almost any imaginable topic related to sex including fetishes, fantasy, toys, submission, lingerie, aphrodisiacs, alternative lifestyles, gay and lesbian issues, diet, safe sex, contraception, pregnancy, hygiene, health and medication, disease, drug use, men and women's problems, and aging. Sexopedia also features case studies that help people deal with a huge range of sexual problems like erectile dysfunction, grief and loss, low self-esteem, mismatched libidos, infidelity, depression, and MANY others. Hooper seems to leave no stones unturned.

Perhaps my favorite surprise in reading this book, section 9 is about the history of sex. Here Hooper looks at the sexual past of several major world cultures and how those cultures influence our attitudes towards sex today.

As you can see, Sexopedia is a very large and complete work that can speak to just about anyone and any situation. It could be said that this book is geared primarily towards heterosexual couples since the sex advice within is written for said audience. The book presents no bias, however, and communicates a very friendly and inclusive message throughout.

Sexopedia is large and sturdy. It is laid out in a logical and interesting way, with many blurbs and captions containing extra tips and trivia. The entire work features large color photos and illustrations. The models inside, while fit and beautiful, are otherwise ordinary-looking and not too made up. No porn stars in here. The photos contain nudity; mostly bums, boobs, and the occasional glimpse of pubic hair. Overall, it's entirely tasteful and classy, yet sexy as well. The whole book is well done. A quality publication.