On Getting Off

This book embodies (heh, heh) that axiom that sex is good to think with. Young is not coy, a prerequisite for this kind of book, and doesn't sacrifice fun and a bit of frivolity to erudition and a serious engagement with sex in all its absurdity and splendour.

Defining the various aspects of sex as libido, eros and romance, this explores all kinds of topics from intimacy to masochism in essay-length format via anecdote, literature, philosophy and science. You have to admire a writer who can go from Aristophanes' Lysistrata (the sex strike play) to Barthes and de Beauvoir without a stutter. This is... er... stimulating and thought-provoking, occasionally deliberately provocative but never dull.

Listen; I love philosophy and I love silly questions. This book is fully of silly and fun and sexy questions and I am going to need to revisit it often. The writing is engaging and does not shy away from any topic, and I think hits a particular "talking about the things everyone thinks about but no one talks about" note that I adore.

Sex and Philosophy - two things that I've never read in the same book before but now I'm wondering why! A witty, open-minded exploration into our global fascination and embarassments surrounding sex and eroticism. This book was utterly fabulous and yes, there were some uncomfortable moments but then Young would sit and make you think about why on earth you're uncomfortable about something so naturally fun. This book will most definitely f*ck with your mind.