The Shortest History of Sex
Two Billion Years of Procreation and Recreation
Failed to add items
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Get 30 days of Standard free
Buy Now for £15.10
-
Narrated by:
-
Grant Cartwright
About this listen
From the first microbial exchanges of DNA to Tinder and sexbots, how did sex begin, and how did it evolve to be so varied and complex in humans? What influence do our genetic ancestors have on our current love lives? And what might sex look like in the future?
With acuity, humor, and respect for human diversity, The Shortest History of Sex reveals where the many facets of our sexuality—chemical, anatomical, behavioral, social—come from. Chasing down our evolutionary family tree, from the first aquatic creatures to primate societies, David Baker sheds light on our baffling array of passions, impulses, and fetishes, and guides us toward a clear understanding of one of the deepest, most abiding forces of human nature.
The Shortest History of Sex also charts how sex changed for humans across the foraging, agrarian, and modern eras, showing how, even as our biology and sexual instincts have remained the same, the current nature of our sex lives has no historical or evolutionary precedent.
The result is a revealing, utterly unique insight into history and human behavior—and the profound forces of nature and nurture compelling our most intimate relationships.
©2023 David Baker; Foreword copyright 2023 by Simon Whistler (P)2024 TantorAlways a student of psychology, evolution and anthropology, this ticked all my boxes (slight double entendre there too).
I was absolutely fascinated with this, so much so I missed a turning for work! The structure of this was great, moving from evolutionary origins through to various related species and finally to humans and the speeding up of our societies, morals and changes in desires.
This packs in so much. I will be listening to it again as it was so intense a read really. Gave me so much to think about, where we came from, how long our bodies have been as they are and why. Sideways looks at other species and their societal structure as related to s*x and not just procreation. Why body parts themselves evolved. Eye-opening (and widening at times).
And also funny. A few great jokes and asides, had me laughing as a drove. Particularly a joke about the United Nations (nope, read it and find out - it's worth it for that alone).
Strong recommendation for anyone interested in where we 've come from, and in that absolutely essential part of all of us.
Illuminating, memorable and funny
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.