The Century of Sex: Playboy's History of the Sexual Revolution, 1900-1999

by James R. Petersen and Hugh Hefner

Book Overview

A comprehensive history of sex in the 20th century, from the girl in the red velvet swing to the intern in the blue Gap dress. of color illustrations.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802116523
• ISBN13: 9780802116529
• Release Date: October 1999
• Publisher: Grove/Atlantic
• Length: 576 Pages
• Weight: 2.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 7.7" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

A fascinating study of American culture

I find it incredibly entertaining that the reviewers voted "most helpful" were the ones who pooh-poohed this book as completely biased, anti-feminist, and generally useless. These are, no doubt, the very same people who never think to question governments, laws, or religious bodies.I found the book a fascinating read, showing the constant tug-of-war between those who would force their morality on others(resulting in the Comstock Act, Mann Act, etc.) and those who believed in personal freedom of choice. The things televangelists are ranting about today as sure signs of the decline of our society - abortion, pornography, sex education - are... SURPRISE! the same things our nation has teetered back and forth on since the very beginning of the twentieth century.Sure, there may be some bias, but the book's recounting of past injustices committed in the name of morality is eye-opening.For example, Comstock created the New York Society for the Suppression of Vice and spearheaded the Comstock law, making it illegal to send "obscene material" through the mail. He built up quite the collection to show off to visiting senators, and was quite skilled at running roughshod over the judicial system. He dragged Ira Craddock to court for writing a manual to enhance the sex life of married couples and told the judge that it was "so obscene" the jury should not even be traumatized by looking at it. They convicted Craddock without judge or jury actually looking at the document in question. She committed suicide as a result. The Mann act (making it illegal to transport someone across state lines for licentuous purposes) was randomly enforced to imprison people those in power didn't like, such as a black boxer with a white girlfriend. Billy Graham's 1980's declaration that AIDS research should be banned, lest man interfere with the carrying out of God's justice, and other such absurdities are also covered. While later chapters perhaps overemphasize Playboy's influence a bit, in general the author did a great job of presenting the overall picture.The book paints a rich picture of the underlying social climate throughout the century, putting America's periodical fits of Puritanism into perspective. Well worth the price of admission.

An eye-opener

One could argue this book is biased, and hell, it's published in cooperation with Playboy, so that's telling in itself. But it is an interesting read, covering each decade of the 20th century, pointing out trends and controversies and boundaries, whether broken or renewed. Birth control, porn films, swinger lifestyles, AIDS, homophobia, sexual provocateurs and repressive trends are all covered and more. I found it to be very interesting and informative, and the book definitely got me thinking and I was happy to come away from the read feeling I've really learned something. For such potentially shocking material that the book covers, it never approaches the subject matter in a prurient or lecherous way. More of a sociological/historical approach to sex.

Relaxation Reading

I think that it is an essential book for those who admire the finer things in life such as fast cars and beautiful women. Granted this I give this book two thumbs up, and recommend it to those who are into and value all human beauty.

Revolutionary Idealism through photography

True, a admire anyone who is a revolutionary speaking as one, and therefore highly recommend this book. Has many interesting pictures, and provides a stimulating picture after returning from a hard days work. I recommend to anyone who likes photograhpy.

A clear window on the American Century

While not a picture-book, something to just be flipped through on the coffee table, it is a sharp, fun, detailed look at sex this century in the United States, and as such, it encompasses much more than the bedroom. One theme is Puritanism. The similarity between censorship battles in the Post Office nearly 100 years ago and over the Internet now can't be missed. We also see the connection between our sexuality and other joys and fears of the times -- the ups of the 20s, the downs of the 30s, etc. The other theme is the development of women's rights. Heroines such as Margaret Sanger are presented, and we see that so many of the changes in sex have been reflections of the changes in women's status, and reactions to those changes. Petersen's book is a great lens through which to view America in the 20th century. It's a rare combination: a serious handling of an important topic that is at the same time fun, interesting and accessible.