The Shortest History of Sex
Two Billion Years of Procreation and Recreation
by David Baker
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Pub Date Feb 06 2024 | Archive Date Feb 05 2024
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Description
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An evolutionary history of sex that reveals how two billion years of genetic ancestry—from the first aquatic creatures to primate societies—influences human sexuality today. The Shortest History books deliver thousands of years of history in one riveting, fast-paced read.
From the first exchange 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 love lives today? And what might sex look like in the future?
The Shortest History of Sex traces where all the facets of human sexuality came from, starting at the creation of sex approximately two billion years ago and chasing it down our evolutionary family tree—from dinosaurs to primates and the earliest humans—until we arrive at the present, revealing why humanity’s baffling array of passions, impulses, and fetishes are the way they are.
From the basic chemical process of two microbes sharing DNA to the modern phenomena of online dating, author David Baker guides the reader toward a clear understanding of one of the deepest and most abiding forces of human nature. The Shortest History of Sex looks at how sex changed for humans across the foraging, agrarian, and modern eras, and how we arrived at a period in history where the present nature of our sex lives has no historical or evolutionary precedent.
The result is a revealing and utterly unique insight into history and human behavior—and the dance between nature and nurture in society.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781891011344 |
| PRICE | $16.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 336 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Stephen G, Reviewer
I loved this book. I liked the writing style with its clarity, conversational tone, and humour, including the laugh-out-loud parts. I found the explanations were great. The book is fast-paced and impossible to put down, yet it doesn’t feel rushed. This book is a great addition to the Shortest History series. Thank you to Netgalley and The Experiment for the advance reader copy.
Kaitlynn H, Reviewer
The Shortest History of Sex is the punniest, roaring laughter-induced, educational book I've ever read! If you have ever been curious about the origins of sex, but aren't interested in mundane educational texts, this is definitely for you! I laughed the entire read, and learned numerous new things along the way! This is a must-have book for any and all sec-positive individuals. I mean, IT. HAS. DINOSAURS in it! Dinos and sex education? It doesn't get much better than that. You'l be missing out if you don't add this to your TBR. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC opportunity!
Mary C, Reviewer
Thank you to Net Galley for this e-copy of The Shortest History of Sex by David Baker in exchange for a honest review.This is a very informative book that tells how sex plays a role in not only procreation through the ages but in social hierarchies and attitudes towards males and females .From ancient times with dinosaurs to the present this book is very informative but also offers a healthy dose of comedy.This book offers a wealth of knowledge!
Amanda P, Reviewer
This was a highly entertaining history of sex and procreation, written with a clear and irreverent voice. I rarely find myself learning so much while also having fun. Thank you to Net Galley for this e-copy of The Shortest History of Sex by David Baker in exchange for a honest review.
Reviewer 1102597
Oh, baby! 'The Shortest History of Sex' is the most delightfully saucy book I've ever gotten my hands on! It's like a naughty best friend telling you all the juicy secrets about sex through the ages. I laughed so hard, my abs still ache! And let's be real, who wouldn't want to learn about dinosaur sex?! It's like the ultimate icebreaker at a party. 'So, did you know that stegosaurus had a what?!' 🤣 I mean, it's educational, people! I'm basically a sex historian now. Okay, maybe not, but I can't wait to impress/scandalize my friends with my newfound knowledge. If you're ready to giggle and get schooled, grab this book and get ready for a wild (and wicked) ride!
Thank you Netgalley for and Arc ♥️
Lisa D, Reviewer
This should not have been as funny as it was. There's a lot of real science here and I can't keep a straight face. Baker gives you a history of sexual development, but along the way, he asks the real questions about why things are the way they are.
There is an exploration of the physical (how did penises even become a thing when they used to be unnecessary?) to the social (so many surprising sexual relationships in the animal kingdom) to what sex is like in modern times for humans. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
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