Joy of Sex redone for Viagra kids

1972 bestseller that shook up life in the bedroom around the world gets a makeover

LONDON: The Joy of Sex, the groundbreaking 1972 manual that shook up life in the bedroom around the world, has been given a 21st-century makeover, The Observer newspaper reported Sunday.

The New Joy of Sex, due in September, is conceptualised as a modern take on Dr Alex Comfort’s original, bringing in new-fangled lovemaking terms and techniques. Bodypaint, “love maps” and sexual hotspots worth seeking out are included this time.

“It has been completely updated,” said Jane Smith, head of marketing and publicity for publishers Mitchell Beazley. “But we wanted to ensure that the book does not lose its roots. It is, at core, a family reference book. So this new version still includes all that factual information, but many new subjects have been added,” she said.

The updated version contains 120 new drawings and photographs. Out have gone the original couple illustrated on the cover, with their distinctive, shaggy 1970s hairstyles.

Readers will be enlightened on HRT, Viagra and on therapy for sexual problems. For the less inhibited, there are sections on how to incorporate phone sex and technology into the physical relationship. Sex shops, striptease and fantasy sections are included.

The book retains its ‘cordon bleu guide to love-making’ theme, with sections on ingredients, appetisers, main courses, sauces and pickles.

“It is a mixture of photographs and illustration, because you cannot show a photograph of penetrative sex, as it then becomes pornographic,” Smith explained.

“So readers will see the photograph of a sensual moment, but the actual positions will be illustrated.”

The Joy of Sex has sold eight million copies since it first hit the shelves. “The reasons for unfulfilling sexual relations today are different to those that Dr Comfort’s first audience experienced,” the publisher said, explaining the makeover.