Sex Appeal: The Art and Science of Sexual Attraction [Hardcover]

Kate Botting (Author), Douglas Botting (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1996

An illustrated study of human sexual attraction takes a close-up look at the mysterious forces that trigger sexual chemistry, discussing such topics as varying concepts of beauty, the role of hormones and scent, aphrodisiacs, and more.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: St Martins Pr (May 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312144121
• ISBN-13: 978-0312144128
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,187,407 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and interesting, May 15, 2001

By 

Martian Bachelor (Feminacentric America) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sex Appeal: The Art and Science of Sexual Attraction (Hardcover)

Ok, so it's not a work of heavy scholarship (maybe see David Buss for that) or entirely a how-to-be-successful-at-love/sex/romance book -- Cabot's website is indeed pretty good for that, not that there are none of those helpful and practical pointers here. This is the kind of book you could give to your kid sister. And it glows with style (hint, hint...). I certainly think it's worth more than the measley two stars the other two reviewers gave.

The authors have surveyed the entire field of research in this extensive area and put together almost all the interesting little tidbits and theories into an enjoyable and easy-to-read format. Even someone who thinks they're not a beginner will be sure to learn some cool things here which will make them sound like an expert at their next social gathering. I really liked the tone of the book and its often layed-back, bemused approach to a topic which can often lead to furrowed brows and a grim outlook on things. You got interested in sex research because you thought it would be fun, didn't you? This book delivers. 4 1/2 stars.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good, but could have used more meat., July 17, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Sex Appeal: The Art and Science of Sexual Attraction (Hardcover)

I enjoyed this book because it's one of my favorite topics. The book has some interesting things to say, although it's more along the lines of a magazine's style than I had anticapted. Some of the more recent findings aren't in here, such as shoulder-to-waist ratio for men. Sex appeal is also aimed slightly more toward women than men. I would have preferred more research, and less filler, but I read it cover to cover.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Dissapointment, June 16, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Sex Appeal: The Art and Science of Sexual Attraction (Hardcover)

This book is good if you are looking for research on the topic of sexual attraction (there are some interresting facts to be learned) but it's lacking in practical advice. In addition, the first few chapters seem to be all about why people are attracted to "10's", models, actresses and other perfect people. There's even a page listing the costs of plastic surgery. I was hoping to find out how to better use the posative traits I was born with in order to create my own sex appeal. This book made me feel that I could only do that by attempting to look more like Pamela Anderson or Gretta Garbo. I think that if you are looking for practical advice in relationships that you might be better off trying "How to Make a man Fall in Love with You" or "Man Power--How to Win the Woman You Want" by Dr. Tracy Cabot. I found that 20 minutes on her website ... gave me more insite into sex appeal than the entire reading of this book. The reason I give it 2 stars instead of one is because it makes an interesting coffee table book and the pictures are beautiful.