Dirty Words: A Literary Encyclopedia of Sex

Ellen Sussman

Bloomsbury Publishing USA, Jun 10, 2008 - Reference - 291 pages

A playful take on bedroom talk a smart, funny encyclopedia with entries written by notable contemporary writers.
This witty reference steps in where time-honored discussions of the birds and the bees typically fall short. All of the 100-some entries are formally defined and further explained through reflective and ribald definitions, essays, and stories by some of today's most exciting writers. Everything from celibacy to promiscuity, hand jobs to sex toys is tackled by everyone's favorite writers including Steve Almond, Patricia Marx, Phillip Lopate, and Antonya Nelson. From sexual relationships (monogamy, one-night stand, m nage trois) to sexual positions (doggie style, 69), from age-old practices (prostitution) to contemporary twists (cybersex), this alphabetical encyclopedia includes everything you need to know about the language of love and more.

What people are saying

LibraryThing Review

User Review  - lildrafire - LibraryThing

Nice little collection of essays and stories from a slew of people, each picking a "dirty word" as the focal point of their piece. Of course this book is XXX rated, and a good romp through different worlds and point of views, as well.

Dirty Words: A Literary Encyclopedia of Sex

User Review  - Not Available - Book Verdict

Author Sussman compiled this quasi-reference book as a corrective for not getting the "facts of life" talk that her brother received. The result is an often riveting, and occasionally shocking, essay ...

About the author

Ellen Sussman is the bestselling author of On a Night Like This and editor of the anthology Bad Girls. She lives in Los Altos Hills, California.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Dirty Words: A Literary Encyclopedia of Sex
• Editor: Ellen Sussman
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA, 2008
• ISBN: 1596914742, 9781596914742
• Length: 291 pages
• Subjects: Health & Fitness / Sexuality; Reference / Encyclopedias; Reference / General