A fascinating look at the biological bases for diversity of sexual
feelings and behavior. Neurobiologist LeVay (Salk Institute for
Biological Studies/UC at San Diego), whose only previous writing on
sex was a 1991 paper in Science reporting differences in the
hypothalamus of gay and straight men, says that his newness to the
field of sex research has enabled him to bring a "certain
amateurish or journalistic attitude to the field." Unlike many
scientists, LeVay has a skilled journalist's ability to make
technical subject matter accessible, and he seems to have fun doing
it. All the chapter titles are from Shakespeare: "Time's Millioned
Accidents" covers the evolution of sex; "For a Woman Thou First
Created" looks at the biology of sexual development; "The Womby
Vaultage" examines the hypothalamus; and "The Beast with Two Backs"
is about the mechanics of sexual intercourse. Other chapters look
at the nature-versus-nurture question; how hormones influence
courtship and maternal behavior; the organization of the brain;
sexual identity; and sexual orientation. LeVay, who's gay, devotes
his longest chapter to sexual orientation, examining the biological
mechanisms that may help make a person gay, straight, or bisexual.
Happily, he provides summaries at the beginning or end of most
chapters, and he encourages readers to skip chapters that seem too
technical and to read just the summary before going on. And there's
a glossary designed not just for the scientifically challenged but
for those who want help with Shakespeare's language as well:
"millioned" is explained next to "mitosis," and "vasotocin" next to
"vaultage." Erudite and entertaining. (Kirkus Reviews)
Written with the same clarity, directness, and humor that have
made Simon LeVay one of the most popular lecturers at Harvard
Medical School and at the University of California, San Diego, "The
Sexual Brain" examines the biological roots of human sexual
behavior. It puts forward the compelling case that the diversity of
human sexual feelings and behavior can best be understood in terms
of the development, structure, and function of the brain circuits
that produce them. Discarding all preconceptions about the
motivation and purpose of sexuality, LeVay discusses the scientific
evidence bearing on such questions as why we are sexual animals,
what the brain mechanisms are that produce sexual behavior, how
these mechanisms differ between men and women and how these
differences develop, and finally, what determines a person's sexual
orientation: genes, prenatal events, family environment, or early
sexual experiences?
"The Sexual Brain" is broad in scope, covering evolutionary
theory, molecular genetics, endocrinology, brain structure and
function, cognitive psychology, and development. It is unified by
LeVay's thesis that human sexual behavior, in all its diversity, is
rooted in biological mechanisms that can be explored by laboratory
science. The book does not shy away from the complexities of the
field, but it can be readily appreciated and enjoyed by anyone with
an intelligent interest in sex.
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