{"id":2531,"date":"2015-02-17T13:15:43","date_gmt":"2015-02-17T21:15:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.nearbycafe.com\/loveandlust\/eroticbynature\/?page_id=2531"},"modified":"2015-03-14T12:32:08","modified_gmt":"2015-03-14T19:32:08","slug":"description-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.nearbycafe.com\/loveandlust\/davidsteinberg\/this-thing-we-call-sex\/description-2\/","title":{"rendered":"This Thing We Call Sex"},"content":{"rendered":"
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THIS THING WE CALL SEX:\u00a0<\/strong>A RADICALLY SENSIBLE LOOK AT SEX IN AMERICA<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Published March 13, 2015<\/strong><\/p>\n

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In this long-anticipated collection, columnist, photographer, critic, and sexual explorer David Steinberg has gathered the best of his essays, anecdotes, and photographs into a uniquely insightful, engaging overview of sex in America.<\/p>\n

For 25 years, Steinberg has documented the American sexual landscape from teenage sexuality to Viagra, swingers\u2019 parties to erotic spirituality, lap dancing to women\u2019s sexual liberation, fine art sexual photography to pornography, homophobia to BDSM. He calls on readers to question their sexual assumptions and fears, and to embrace sex as an opportunity for intimacy, self-understanding, and psychic adventure. Rejecting sensationalized rhetoric rooted in shame and fear, Steinberg offers an emotionally grounded understanding of a topic that is endlessly debated but rarely approached with depth and calm awareness.<\/p>\n

Whimsical, philosophical, unapologetically political, and revealingly personal,\u00a0This Thing We Call Sex<\/em>\u00a0 will take you into sexual worlds that include Marco Vassi, the Marquis de Sade, 19th-century feminist Victoria Woodhull, erotic photographer Jan Saudek, and porn producer Kink.com, exploring the spectrum of human sexuality with an unflinching eye, a compassionate heart, and a keen mind. After reading this book, you will find yourself doing the same.<\/p>\n

Booktrope, 2015, 320 pages, 6\u2033 x 9\u2033, 978-1-62015-691<\/p>\n

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To order this book,\u00a0click here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

For contents, click here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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What people are saying about David Steinberg and\u00a0This Thing We Call Sex<\/em>:<\/strong><\/p>\n

David Steinberg\u2019s magnum opus helps shift the conversation away from fear and shame, toward a radical embrace of sexual complexity and diversity. David brings thoughtful and wise dispatches from sexual arenas many of us will never visit.\u00a0This Thing We Call Sex<\/em>\u00a0takes you on a journey that will bring you home to your sexual self with new comfort and a deeper sense of who you are. Some of my best conversations about sex have been with David. Open this book and you\u2019ll see why!\u2014Carol Queen, PhD, Founding Director, Center for Sex and Culture; author of\u00a0Real Live Nude Girl<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0Exhibitionism for the Shy<\/em><\/p>\n

These beautiful, sensitive essays, photos, poems, and stories portray some of the most honest and frank representations of human sex in all its wide range, with joy, ecstasy, and even pain. Inspiring.\u2014Susie Bright, author of\u00a0The Sexual State of the Union<\/em>; editor of the\u00a0Best American Erotica<\/em>\u00a0series<\/p>\n

Steinberg\u2019s witty, candid, and deeply intelligent essays leave no doubt that his heart is as open as his mind. The shameless sensibility of Steinberg\u2019s work is to be treasured, shared, and emulated.\u2014Christopher Ryan, co-author of\u00a0Sex at Dawn: How We Mate, Why We Stray, and What It Means for Modern Relationships<\/em><\/p>\n

This Thing We Call Sex\u00a0<\/em>is a fascinating exploration of sexuality, and a profoundly honest, open look at one man\u2019s life experience. This is a highly readable, provocative, and eloquent book for anyone exploring their sexuality.\u2014Eli Coleman, Director, Program in Human Sexuality, University of Minnesota Medical School<\/p>\n

David\u2019s core message is important for everyone: that sex is a treasure to be celebrated, and a path to self-knowledge. David has been advocating intelligently and passionately for sex-positivity since before that term was coined. It\u2019s exciting to have the best of his writings collected in this long-overdue volume.\u2014Joani Blank, founder of Good Vibrations; author of\u00a0Femalia<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0A Kid\u2019s First Book About Sex<\/em><\/p>\n

David Steinberg is a writer of consummate intelligence and compassion. I am consistently touched by what he reveals about the changing nature of being a man. His prose is deceptively simple, drawing you into the story he is telling until you find yourself agreeing with much more than a simple anecdote. This is a great book.\u2014Patrick Califia, author of\u00a0Public Sex: The Culture of Radical Sex<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0Speaking Sex to Power: The Politics of Queer Sex<\/em><\/p>\n

David Steinberg\u2019s writing and photographs are surprising, truthful, courageous, humane, and loving. Investigating what can be understood about sex, and reveling in what cannot, David\u2019s work reveals us to ourselves and deepens our connections with each other.\u2014Judith Levine, author of\u00a0Harmful to Minors: The Perils of Protecting Children from Sex<\/em><\/p>\n

David Steinberg explores the nuances of modern sexuality with an expert and empathetic eye, humanizing aspects of eroticism that our culture often dismisses. These powerful, persuasive essays challenge the conventional wisdom about sex, and force readers to reckon with their own preconceived ideas.\u2014Rachel Kramer Bussel, author of\u00a0Sex & Cupcakes: A Juicy Collection of Essays<\/em><\/p>\n

Steinberg understands what works for women and how we have our orgasms. His voice is a calm, reasoned call to rise above the standard porn nonsense about what it means to be a fully alive sexual man.\u2014Betty Dodson, PhD, artist, author of\u00a0Sex for One: The Joy of Selfloving\u00a0<\/em>and\u00a0Orgasms for Two: The Joy of Partnersex<\/em><\/p>\n

This is a fantastic book, written from David\u2019s big heart, brilliant mind, and experienced sex organs. David takes on a variety of touchy subjects with honesty, integrity, and courage. Bring on the literary awards!\u2014Annie Sprinkle<\/em>, PhD, performance artist, author of\u00a0Post-Porn Modernist<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0Dr. Sprinkle\u2019s Spectacular Sex<\/em><\/p>\n

David Steinberg is simultaneously a thoughtful observer and a participant\u2014an explorer with empathy, a writer with honesty.\u00a0This Thing We Call Sex<\/em>\u00a0is on the right side of history.\u2014Paul Krassner, editor,\u00a0The Realist<\/em>; author of\u00a0Who\u2019s to Say What\u2019s Obscene?<\/em><\/p>\n

David Steinberg\u2019s ability to write clearly and honestly about what he feels and observes is a gift. He gives us stark, naked truth, rational philosophy, cultural history, and erotic wisdom. Look, feel, be exposed, get real. Sex is life. Think about it. David has.\u2014Jamison Green, president, World Professional Association for Transgender Health, author ofBecoming a Visible Man<\/em><\/p>\n

Since sex became a legitimate beat for journalists, David Steinberg has been the right man in the right place at the right time. Moving beyond the role of witness, consumer, or critic, he participates\u2014fascinated with the emotional power of what\u2019s happening before his eyes. His prose is honest\u2014sometimes funny, sometimes angry, but always just. If you\u2019ve ever wondered about the incredible, ongoing whirlwind of sex, read this book.\u2014James R. Petersen, former Playboy Advisor; author of\u00a0The Century of Sex<\/em><\/p>\n

Steinberg\u2019s writing is thought-provoking and compelling. This important collection asks us to grapple with the complexities of real sex\u2014to face our sexual angels and demons instead of turning off the lights and hiding under the covers.\u2014Katherine Frank, author of\u00a0G-Strings and Sympathy: Strip Club Regulars and Male Desire<\/em><\/p>\n

David Steinberg is a living, breathing sexual oxymoron. He dares to push, probe, poke, and prod, asking questions related to the mystery of sex.\u00a0This Thing We Call Sex\u00a0<\/em>should be required reading for everyone who thinks they have sex figured out.\u2014Jack Hafferkamp, cofounder,\u00a0Libido: The Journal of Sex and Sensibility<\/em><\/p>\n

David Steinberg has been a calm, measured voice of reason\u00a0for the sex worker in an era of scandalous journalism on the subject\u2014the sort of sensible journalism on the culture wars you rarely see.\u2014James Ridgeway, journalist; author of\u00a0Red Light: Inside the Sex Industry<\/em><\/p>\n

Few writers about sex are as thoughtful, thought-provoking, and insightful as David Steinberg. He shows what sex-positivity really means and gives you new ways to think about sex and relationships. If you\u2019re interested in sex or sex-positivity,\u00a0This Thing We Call Sex\u00a0<\/em>is for you.\u2014Charlie Glickman, PhD, author of\u00a0The Ultimate Guide to Prostate Pleasure<\/em><\/p>\n

This Thing We Call Sex<\/em>\u00a0pushes us to increase our understanding and acceptance of sexual controversies and practices, and thus grow in our sexual lives.\u2014Dr. Tuppy Owens, author of\u00a0Supporting Disabled People with Their Sexual Lives<\/em><\/p>\n

Steinberg has developed a unique style of depicting the diverse spectrum of sexual attitudes and lifestyles. Exploring this hauntingly beautiful, thoughtful book is a mind-opening experience I heartily recommend.\u2014Cheryl Cohen Greene, author of\u00a0An Intimate Life: Sex, Love, and My Journey as a Surrogate Partner<\/em><\/p>\n

I loved reading\u00a0This Thing We Call Sex.<\/em>\u00a0David is a true sex-positive pioneer.\u2014Allena Gabosch, Executive Director, Center for Sex Positive Culture<\/p>\n

Steinberg\u2019s insightful essays and reports on sexuality stand above anything available in mainstream media.\u00a0His perspectives remain fresh, far ahead of the curve, and brashly counter to conventional thinking about sex. This book is a cutting edge treat.\u2014Layne Winklebleck, former editor,\u00a0Spectator<\/em>\u00a0magazine; author of\u00a0Moral Turpitude<\/em><\/p>\n

David Steinberg\u2019s edgy, educational, compassionate, and fascinating book is for searchers\u2014people who want to know the full range of sexuality and emotion.\u2014Pepper Schwartz, PhD, Professor of Sociology, coauthor of\u00a050 Great Myths of Human Sexuality<\/em><\/p>\n

Beautifully illustrated with intimate photographs of couples,\u00a0This Thing We Call Sex<\/em>\u00a0brings together two decades of insightful prose and poetry on the subjects of sex, sexual expression, and freedom. A thought-provoking and timely collection.\u2014Catherine Johnson-Roehr, Curator, The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction<\/p>\n

Steinberg passionately proves he\u2019s on the right side of history, examining our progress toward sexual freedom while providing frank, intimate details from his own sexual explorations.\u00a0This Thing We Call Sex<\/em>\u00a0is a philosophical journey that calls you to consider the meaning of sex in your life.\u2014Susan Wright, spokesperson, National Coalition for Sexual Freedom<\/p>\n

Wherever Steinberg ventures, his explorations take us closer to the heart of this thing we call sex. In Steinberg\u2019s view, sex is who we are, how we live, how we experience desire, yearning, joy, and\u00a0life<\/em>.\u2014Michael Castleman, author of\u00a0Great Sex\u00a0<\/em>and\u00a0Sexual Solutions<\/em><\/p>\n

This Thing We Call Sex<\/em>\u00a0is a fascinating read for people who want intelligence with their sex. Steinberg is unafraid to expose his personal sexual truths while challenging us to face and accept our own. I\u2019ve already started my list of lucky friends who will be receiving a copy!\u2014Candida Royalle, founder, Femme Productions; director of\u00a0Femme, Urban Heat<\/em>,\u00a0Revelations<\/em><\/p>\n

In the early 90s, when I was a budding sex worker rights activist, Steinberg\u2019s rants on sexual liberation fueled my passion for speaking out in favor of sexual self-determination. Some of my best arguments were shaped and refined by David\u2019s fearless, feminist, human rights approach to sexuality. Thank you David!\u2014Veronica Monet, ACS, author ofSex Secrets of Escorts<\/em>; host of The Shame Free Zone<\/p>\n

Here you\u2019ll find everything from the tale of a famous, wealthy 1800s prostitute stockbroker to a description of Kink.com in 2009.\u00a0This Thing We Call Sex<\/em>\u00a0is a clear, well-researched, and highly entertaining exegesis of sexual politics.\u2014Clarisse Thorn, author of\u00a0The S&M Feminist<\/em><\/p>\n

David Steinberg steps outside cultural straightjackets to present us with an honest, breadth-and-depth vision of our human sexual nature.\u00a0This Thing We Call Sex<\/em>\u00a0will bring you to understand someone who is dancing to the beat of a very different sexual drum. It has definitely done that for me.\u2014Kenneth Ray Stubbs, PhD, author of\u00a0Erotic Massage: The Touch of Love<\/em><\/p>\n

Steinberg never fails to be both thought-provoking and entertaining.\u00a0This Thing We Call Sex\u00a0<\/em>is a fine tapestry featuring boldness, sensitivity, and wit, in service to the crown jewel of human sexuality. This is the real stuff.\u2014Howie Gordon, aka Richard Pacheco, author of\u00a0Hindsight: True Love and Mischief in the Golden Age of Porn<\/em><\/p>\n

David Steinberg is a rare artist, a revolutionary, a visionary, and a practical man who\u2019s not afraid to get his hands (and other body parts) dirty. This is a book for anyone who\u2019s ever contemplated having sex.\u2014David Henry Sterry, author of\u00a0Chicken: Self-Portrait of a Young Man for Rent<\/em><\/p>\n

David Steinberg\u2019s way of thinking about sex is inspiring. In place of moralism, cynicism, shame, and guilt, it\u2019s about honesty and the search for nuances. Steinberg is not afraid to be wrong because, as this book helps us remember, sex is not a matter of being right.\u2014Phil Jourdan, author of\u00a0Praise of Motherhood<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0What Precision, Such Restraint<\/em><\/p>\n

David\u2019s clear, passionate intent has been steady over the decades.\u00a0This Thing We Call Sex<\/em>\u00a0brings inspiration mixed with urgency: We must get the word out. We must heal the intractable hurts our still half-puritan society inflicts.\u2014Bill Noble, former editor\u00a0Clean Sheets<\/em><\/p>\n

David is a courageous explorer, artist, and cultural critic\u2014a rare, informed voice in the m\u00e9lange of discourse on sexuality. This insightful, engrossing, and well-researched compendium from someone who has spent decades on the sexual frontiers offers an essential history lesson in American sexuality.\u2014Carol Leigh, aka Scarlot Harlot, author ofUnrepentent Whore<\/em><\/p>\n

David Steinberg is one of our foremost commentators on human sexuality. In a culture capable of astonishing levels of hysteria and illogic over these matters, he stands among our sanest voices.\u2014A. D. Coleman, photocritic, author ofDepth of Field: Essays on Photography, Mass Media, and Lens Culture<\/em><\/p>\n

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To order this book,\u00a0click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\n

 <\/p>\n<\/p>\n

THIS THING WE CALL SEX: A RADICALLY SENSIBLE LOOK AT SEX IN AMERICA<\/p>\n

Published March 13, 2015<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In this long-anticipated collection, columnist, photographer, critic, and sexual explorer David Steinberg has gathered the best of his essays, anecdotes, and photographs into a uniquely insightful, engaging overview of sex […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":2053,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2531","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","odd"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nearbycafe.com\/loveandlust\/davidsteinberg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2531","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nearbycafe.com\/loveandlust\/davidsteinberg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nearbycafe.com\/loveandlust\/davidsteinberg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nearbycafe.com\/loveandlust\/davidsteinberg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nearbycafe.com\/loveandlust\/davidsteinberg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2531"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.nearbycafe.com\/loveandlust\/davidsteinberg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2531\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nearbycafe.com\/loveandlust\/davidsteinberg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2053"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nearbycafe.com\/loveandlust\/davidsteinberg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2531"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}