Joyful?

I just spent the last fifteen minutes reading though comments over at Jezebel and laughing my ass off. Apparently, the Guardian just did an article on the new edition of The Joy of Sex. The Jezebel commenters were relating their memories of having snuck into their parents rooms, stolen this book away and being instantly creeped out by the guy on the cover, as well as illustrations of various hippy dudes smelling women's underarm hair.

I don't think I've ever read The Joy of Sex. After having read the comments, I am more than a bit happy about this. I have, however, seen the cover. It is not pretty. As one commentor noted, he bears more than a passing resemblence to one of
my favorite historical figures, Mr. Charles



Manson. I mean, honestly, could this cover be any less sexy? I doubt it. I suppose the thought could have been, "if we make the cover too porny, no one will actually read it for its purpose. They'll just hide it in the garage under the toolbox, to be opened on those long winter afternoons when the wife takes the teenaged daughter to the mall and he's left, all alone, with an hour or two to kill." Who needs Playboy when you can get The Joy of Sex with a hot blonde on the cover. Besides, if he's too good-looking, no wife will actually buy it to share with her husband.

And look at this woman. There is no way on God's green acre that she is giving this guy the time of day. Even in the 70's. I'm sorry. This illustration is like an early-day casting of "Yes, Dear." Gimme a break. Charles you may be due a Squeaky Fromme as you sexual partner but this chick looks more like...well, kind of like the dark haired woman from Knot's Landing, Michelle Lee. Charles, you could never be so lucky to find a girl like that in prison. Particularly not with a big swastika on your forehead.

Anyway, the newest edition has apparently removed all of the golden oldies, such as sex on motorcycles and sex with hookers. Now it has gotten all liberated and actually discusses the clitoris. Women have one! Who knew?!

There is also a fairly large discussion on penile injuries caused by vacuum cleaners. Sounds like hours of entertainment.

I have not, however, learned what the current edition's stance on body hair may be and if they still advise men to smell it. I just hope they advise men to, you know, bathe. Unlike ol' Charlie up there.