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The Joy of Gay Sex: Fully Revised and Expanded Third Edition [Hardcover]

Charles Silverstein (Author), Felice Picano (Author)
3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)


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Book Description

May 13, 2003

First published in 1977, The Joy of Gay Sex became an immediate bestseller and a touchstone of the emerging gay consciousness, offering a delectable first glimpse of gay life and love for countless gay men. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, it has remained an essential reference for gay men worldwide.

The changes to gay life over the past decade, for better and for worse, are reflected in this fully revised and expanded new third edition. Noted psychologist Dr. Charles Silverstein has teamed up once again with critically acclaimed novelist Felice Picano, updating every single entry and adding nearly thirty new entries. The authors have succeeded in bringing the book up to date for a new century and a new generation of readers while maintaining its signature brand of positive, permissive, and responsible advice.

Invaluable as a sex guide, a resource on building self-esteem, and a coming-out guide for young gay men, The Joy of Gay Sex covers the ins and outs of gay life alphabetically from "anus" to "wrestling." The authors continue to provide advice about safe sex in all of its varieties, from techniques and positions to fostering intimacy and creativity in relationships. They also address the many emotional and relationship-oriented issues in gay life, such as loneliness, depression, and letting go. Expanded entries provide cutting-edge health information on the newest treatments for HIV, strategies for avoiding STDs, and tips for getting the best care from your doctor.

The Joy of Gay Sex serves as a general reference on a number of diverse topics important to gay life and culture, ranging from the history of the gay rights movement to the history of condoms, from body decoration to spirituality. Scores of new entries address topics such as on-line dating, cosmetic surgery, coming out at work, sexual harassment, and much more. Acclaimed artist Joseph Phillips spices up the proceedings with fifty new illustrations.



Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Anal sex, Barebacking, Cruising-the ABCs of gay male sexuality get neatly presented here in an encyclopedic format with a savvy, knowledgeable attitude. A good number of the entries, though, seem unnecessary: perfunctory explanations of kissing ("an integral part of the entire experience of making love"), pornography ("the object is to turn you on") and phone sex ("use adjectives describing yourself and your favorite sexual scenes. If you don't know which words to use, watch a porn video and note those words that turn you on"), for example, will enlighten only the very inexperienced. Psychologist Silverstein and author-poet Picano make a notable attempt in this edition to define crucial elements of the "changing sociopolitical landscape of gay men's lives in the early twenty-first century" by including such topics as HIV "cocktail" treatments, bisexuality and transgenderism and the internet's role in helping fetishists connect. But many entries continue to feel sanitized, despite the authors' decision to use sexual slang and expletives. Others need a dose of editorial Viagra to provide clued-in readers with the kind of candid, useful information they might be searching for. Entries addressing issues such as domestic violence, gay liberation and civil rights feel out of place in a manual dedicated to the machinations of sexuality complete with illustrations depicting everything from fisting to sex parties. Originally published in 1977, four years after the American Psychiatric Association reversed its decision labeling homosexuality a mental disorder, The Joy of Gay Sex continues to be a popular resource due to its "permissive tone about sex," an important feature and one that has been carefully retained in this revised edition. Readers may object to the title (which lacks the word "male"), the illustrations (which almost solely feature wiry, tattooed and hairless men) and some of the theories (the "daddy/son scene" may be enjoying increased popularity owing to a "greater need for good parenting"), but this is nevertheless a needed title.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Charles Silverstein is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist who practices in New York City.


Product Details

  • Hardcover: 336 pages
  • Publisher: William Morrow; 3rd edition (May 13, 2003)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0060012730
  • ISBN-13: 978-0060012731
  • Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.3 x 1 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
  • Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #350,577 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

18 Reviews
5 star:
 (8)
4 star:
 (3)
3 star:
 (5)
2 star:
 (2)
1 star:    (0)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
3.9 out of 5 stars (18 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must read!!! LOTS of info!, July 10, 2004
By 
Jerrid (Northern IL) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Joy of Gay Sex: Fully Revised and Expanded Third Edition (Hardcover)
I absolutely loved this book! It was chalk-full of clearly presented, mostly objective information. There wasnt preachy like some books can be... It was very objective, gave u the option of assigning ur own opinion... The only preachiness was of things that could be hazardous to your physical/mental health. The authors have a very optimistic attitude toward sex, which is extremely refreshing, and they basically say that if you follow safe sex guidelines and avoid people, places, and situations that might cause unsafe sex, u can lead a satisfying and healthy sex life.
This book is a must read for anyone new to the gay scene as it provides information on a wide variety of topics and makes u aware of certain scenes and practices and risks associated with them. I found the information on AIDS and HIV and also the section on STD's VERY helpful. It cleared up many questions I had and debunked all the false info.
I especially enjoyed this book as it was written in part by a psychologist, and so the information was given in a kind of psychologically logical way. Since many of the sections dealt with sexual practices, they are behaviours and the author presented them as such and goes into possible sources for these behaviours and preferences.
I enjoyed the illustrations even thought they were only pencil illustrations. They were exceptionally done and I actually got turned on by them LoL
Also the Appendix supplied me with many useful resources for other books and helpful organizations for future reference.
This book is full of helpful information and advice and, again, I highly recommend this book to anyone new to the gay scene, or even just as a reference. This book has become an invaluable reference for me, and I hope it becomes the same for all of you as well!
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19 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars gay sex eye opener, June 4, 2003
By 
This review is from: The Joy of Gay Sex: Fully Revised and Expanded Third Edition (Hardcover)
due to the complete lack of any sex education for gay men when I was a student, owing to the fact that the system assumes all students are heterosexual and educates them as such, I had to learn about sex "on the road" so to speak - this book is a serious attempt to redress this - well done
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Not a bad read.. Very Interesting..., May 3, 2007
As a gay man I knew about most of topics covered in this book. However it's been on my "to read list" for some time. It was well written and in a way that I could understand. I agree with most if not all of the authors views. The only complaint that I have is the tone that he took on the subject of "foreskin" Telling readers to "grow up" for being pro or anti-circumcsion was not needed. Otherwise the book was really good and I would recommend it to anyone who is gay. Or to the parents of recently "outted" gay teens and young men...
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First Sentence:
Culturally induced fears have given many people phobias about their assholes. Read the first page
Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
sex phobia, pleasure trap, sleazy sex, married gay man, gay amen, safe sex guidelines, cock size, few gay men, other gay men, vanilla sex, fuck buddies, many gay men, gay community centers, fuck buddy, compulsive sex, older gay men, younger gays, most gay men, gay teens, getting fucked, sex parties, sensual massage, gay family
Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
United States, Dangerous Sex, World War, New York City, San Francisco, Son Fantasies, Drug Ahuse, Living Wills, Los Angeles, Mythic Beginnings, Greenwich Village, Growing Older, Sex Ads, South America, Department of Health, Eastern Europe, Prince Albert, Rear Entry
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