A Mind of Its Own: A Cultural History of the Penis
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Founder | David M. Friedman |
| Products | Non-fiction book |
A Mind of Its Own: A Cultural History of the Penis is a factual work authored by David M. Friedman, a New York-based writer and columnist, which investigates the historical context of the human penis.
Format
Presented in a chronological sequence, the book spans from Mesopotamia to modern Western perspectives, highlighting the transformation from reverence to concealment.[1][2] Central topics encompass Sigmund Freud's theories on sexuality and the commercial sector surrounding erectile function, including products like Viagra. Friedman points out that the decline in positive portrayals of the male genitalia was initiated by Christians.[1] The narrative also explores unfounded scientific claims connecting penis dimensions with racial identity, concluding with an emphasis on the erection-related market.[3]
Reception
Birte Twisselmann, writing for The BMJ, commended the book as both "informative and engaging," noting its broad compilation of cultural, medical, and historical insights.[4] Jeffrey M. Dickeman’s review in the Journal of the History of Sexuality labeled it as "exemplary journalism," though he expressed reservations regarding its depth in historical and cultural analysis.[2] Wisam Mansour from the Journal of Men, Masculinities and Spirituality remarked on the work’s academic style combined with wit.[5]
Ian Sansom, writing for The Guardian, considered the publication a philosophical examination.[6] Marcelle D'Argy Smith in New Statesman characterized it as a compelling blend involving "sex, death, torture, self-destruction, heroes, villains, love, drugs, money and high-tech machinery."[7] Conversely, a review by the Seattle Times criticized it for being "embarrassingly europhallocentric."[1]
External links
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedThe Seattle Times 2002 - ↑ 2.0 2.1 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedDickeman 2003 - ↑ Albo, Mike (January 13, 2002). "Books in Brief: Nonfiction". The New York Times Book Review. Retrieved July 17, 2022.
- ↑ Twisselmann, Birte (December 14, 2002). "Book: A Mind of its Own: A Cultural History of the Penis". The BMJ. 325 (7377): 1427.
- ↑ Mansour, Wisam (January 1, 2007). "Review of David M. Friedman, A Mind of Its Own: A Cultural History of the Penis". Journal of Men, Masculinities and Spirituality. 1 (1): 103–104.
- ↑ Sansom, Ian (November 8, 2002). "A Mind of Its Own: A Cultural History of the Penis". The Guardian.
- ↑ D'Argy Smith, Marcelle (December 9, 2002). "Hard Times". New Statesman.