O: The Intimate History of the Orgasm

“Margolis devotes himself to the social history of the ways and means of orgasm . . . And his breezy, sophisticated writing doesn’t hurt, either” (Booklist).

Orgasm is one of society’s most compelling, shaping forces—and most of us probably think that we are living in its golden age. But are we? The history of orgasms is as elusive as the orgasm itself can be, for sex rarely makes the historical record.

Now acclaimed British journalist Jonathan Margolis delivers the definitive history of the human orgasm, of sex for pleasure as well as conception—from prehistory to Viagra. Most people manage just twelve minutes of orgasmic bliss per year. Some never experience it at all. Yet the urge for orgasm rules much of human life, across national and cultural boundaries. How much have we learned about female pleasure since the 1558 discovery of the clitoris? How has the drive for pleasure, and the fear of it, shaped various societies—from Saint Francis of Assisi and the thorn bush, to “primitive” tribes who embraced maximum pleasure for both sexes? How much does the sensation of orgasm differ for different people? Drawing on the biology, literature, anthropology, psychology, and technology, Jonathan Margolis delivers the final word on both male and female orgasm in an enlightening history that is a pleasure to read.

“Titillating . . . Covers the climax from B.C. to Sex and the City.” —Playgirl

“[An] immensely entertaining and informative book . . . Neither leering nor squeamish, Margolis has created a fresh, compelling work guaranteed to ignite much late-night conversation.” —Publishers Weekly

“One of the best books on human sexuality that I’ve come across.” —Bishop Pat Buckley, News of the World (London)