Human Sexuality

by Simon LeVay, Sharon M. Valente

In this textbook, Simon LeVay and his new coauthor, sociologist Janice Baldwin, aim to help students understand the diversity of human sexual expression as well as the diversity of perspectives from which sexuality can be studied. Well-known for its high-quality presentation of biological aspects of sexuality, the book also devotes rich coverage to the insights gained from cognitive science, social psychology, sociology, feminism, and cross-cultural studies, along with both moral and political discourse on sexual themes. For the Third Edition, the authors have made some organizational changes so that the book corresponds more closely to the sequence in which human sexuality is usually taught. The new edition provides up-to-date coverage of all topics, ranging from the newest developments in contraceptive technology to gay marriage in California. Still the leader in terms of its biological coverage, the Third Edition is more accessible to a broad range of students, thanks to simplified explanations of some complex biological issues.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Textbooks

615 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Dr. Simon LeVay is a writer and lecturer with a background in neuroscience. He is best known for his research on the brain and sexuality, but has also spent many years studying the visual system. He has written or co-authored several books on sexuality, and coauthored books on such diverse topics as earthquakes and volcanoes, extraterrestrial life, and Parkinson's disease. He has even written a novel. Dr. Simon LeVay lives in West Hollywood, California.

Reviews

[Carrie Fleharty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative textbook. The issues dealing with human sexuality are presented with very good information. This book is a must if a person is a counselor, therapist or a psychologist. This information can help a person understand the nuances of human sexuality. I was surprised that I had read the entire text for class. Now that I have, I will use it as a reference in my psychological practice.

[Tori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty much a biology textbook...but with a kind of anthropology-like tone. Also, it's about sex.