From Publishers Weekly
Since 1980, Westheimer--more familiarly known as Dr. Ruth--has worked to eliminate sexual illiteracy. Here her campaign to expand sexual knowledge beyond the birds and the bees continues. Her most recent educational tool is an A-Z compendium of sexual subjects, edited and introduced by the good doctor. The book contains more than 250 separate entries, including 100 illustrations, and is written with the high school or college student in mind, though others can also benefit. As such, the encyclopedia seeks to include not only standard information, but also the more offbeat. Entries address all aspects of sexuality--from mechanics and biology to cultural, legal and religious concerns. The range of material covered in this volume is impressive, ranging from sex in the Bible to call girls. The book's information is often deadpan-funny; the entry for zoophilia, for example, ends with a cautionary note that such "practices are not recommended and are often illegal," while under the heading of affairs one learns that "if it lasts only a few weeks or a month it might be called a 'brief affair,' but a weekend dalliance should be called a 'fling," not an affair, and a 'one-night stand' is just that." The final pages offer a glossary of sexual slang guaranteed to teach even the most worldly reader a term or two.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Dr. Ruth's latest contribution is a single-volume encyclopedia of human sexuality, comprising over 250 entries and a glossary of slang. Along with the usual burning issues of gonorrhea and the like, many psychological and emotional issues pertaining to sexual relations are addressed. Important topics such as abortion, sexual dysfunction, and safer sex have merited articles several pages in length; most entries (e.g., "sexual stereotypes," "empty nest syndrome," and "faking orgasm") are two to three paragraphs. The article on AIDS is very comprehensive, and many of the more controversial issues are covered in-depth with integrity and objectivity (e.g., "gay and lesbian parenting"). The unsigned articles, contributed by a team of 70 professionals, are carefully written for a high school-educated audience. Larger libraries should consider purchasing two copies: one for reference, and another to circulate.
A. Arro Smith, San Marcos P.L., Tex.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
A. Arro Smith, San Marcos P.L., Tex.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
