The Ecstatic Moment: The Best of Libido [Paperback]

Marianna Beck (Editor), Jack Hafferkamp (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 7, 1997

Since 1988, Libido magazine has set the standard for literary erotica, as a publication aimed at open-minded, adventurous men and women craving provocative, sexually-charged reading. This groundbreaking collection brings together the very best writing from the magazine the Chicago Tribune calls "A journal for highbrows who still have animal urges."



Discriminating tastes will enjoy a gustatory romp in "B is for Bechamel," in which a restaurant owner licks and nibbles every culinary creation off her new chef's body. Watch out for surprises like the one in "Yum, Yum," in which a man discovers that his wife is having an affair*with his mistress. These are but a few of the over 40 superb stories and poems that come together in a daring collection of sensual fantasies, taboo-breaking romps, and forbidden liaisons that will satisfy both the body and the mind.

Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews

The contemporary upsurge of interest in erotica got a boost from Libido magazine, which, since 1988, has published an extraordinary range of erotic fiction. This anthology drawn from the magazine illustrates both the pitfalls and pleasures of the form. Johanna Baird's ``B is for B‚chamel'' is a droll, sultry tale about a chef who insists that his lover sample his creations, that she ``eat it, lick it, nibble it--off his body. She ate knowing he was bad for her.'' Richard Collins's ``Freud, Cavafy and the Comforts of Civilization'' has an intriguing premise--a couple who enjoy making love not just in public places but in museums--that is somewhat deflated by love talk so unlikely it seems ludicrous. Not surprisingly, the best stories here are either very brief and to the point, or they weave intercourse into a tale having more to do with characters than sex. A useful (and occasionally stirring) overview of a burgeoning field. -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

From the Publisher

Since 1988, Libido magazine has set the standard for literary erotica, as a publication aimed at open-minded, adventurous men and women craving provocative, sexually-charged reading. This groundbreaking collection brings together the very best writing from the magazine the Chicago Tribune calls "A journal for highbrows who still have animal urges."

Discriminating tastes will enjoy a gustatory romp in "B is for Bechamel," in which a restaurant owner licks and nibbles every culinary creation off her new chef's body. Watch out for surprises like the one in "Yum, Yum," in which a man discovers that his wife is having an affairwith his mistress. These are but a few of the over 40 superb stories and poems that come together in a daring collection of sensual fantasies, taboo-breaking romps, and forbidden liaisons that will satisfy both the body and the mind.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Delta; First Edition edition (July 7, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385315864
• ISBN-13: 978-0385315869
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,862,078 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Well written stories make me less ashamed to have a body, September 28, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Ecstatic Moment: The Best of Libido (Paperback)

The marriage is not going well, prompting a review of what I thought or knew about sex. This book is well written enough, with enough different persons writing, that I can feel sexual desire is a human, humane, civilized, normal, delightful set of possibilities (something relatively hard to find even in the cheery pages of the _Good Vibrations_ catlogue). Most of the poetry leaves me unmoved, but it is NOT embarrassing, and I can imagine spending enjoyable time (fully clothed or not) with many of the characters among these stories. The only erotica I have read I can conceive of leaving around for my adolescent son to find; these people are not sick or stupid.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ahh, Libido, August 12, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Puget Sound) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Ecstatic Moment: The Best of Libido (Paperback)

This is a great collection of the best of the best. Libido's mix of the thoughtful and thought provoking should be mandatory for all adults. The message is in the response by the reader. This tome will make you respond with a smile and warmth all over, celebrating life!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars captivating, April 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Ecstatic Moment: The Best of Libido (Paperback)

This book is filled with some of the best stories in this genre I have ever seen, and I've seen plenty!