BREVE HISTORIA DEL SEXO

Shortest History

by David Baker

An evolutionary history of sex that reveals how two billion years of genetic ancestry―from the first aquatic creatures to primate societies―influences human sexuality today From the first exchange of DNA to Tinder and sexbots―how did sex evolve? How did sex begin? How did it evolve to be so varied and complex in humans? What influence do our genetic ancestors have on our love lives today? And what might sex look like in the future? The Shortest History of Sex traces where all the facets of human sexuality came from, starting at the creation of sex approximately two billion years ago and chasing it down our evolutionary family tree―from dinosaurs to primates and the earliest humans―until we arrive at the present, revealing why humanity’s baffling array of passions, impulses, and fetishes are the way they are. From the basic chemical process of two microbes sharing DNA to the modern phenomena of online dating, author David Baker guides the reader toward a clear understanding of one of the deepest and most abiding forces of human nature. The Shortest History of Sex looks at how sex changed for humans across the foraging, agrarian, and modern eras, and how we arrived at a period in history where the present nature of our sex lives has no historical or evolutionary precedent. Baker then looks at the horizon to figure out where current trends may lead us in the near future, as humans navigate the brave new world of technology. The result is a revealing and utterly unique insight into history and human behavior―and the dance between nature and nurture in society. 43 B&W images & charts

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Science, Sexuality, Biology, Audiobook, Evolution

268 pages, Hardcover

Published July 8, 2025

About the author

David Baker came to Australia in 2010 to study his PhD in History of Science and Cliodynamics. He was previously a lecturer at Macquarie University and the University of Amsterdam, and is visiting Lecturer at the Sorbonne University in Paris. He is now a history, science, and true crime writer for the Simon Whistler network.

Reviews

[Leo · Rating 3 out of 5]

There where parts I found interesting but some I got a bit unsure about. Mostly in the later half discussion morden attraction and dating and such. But I liked the history side of it.

[Sabrina Schioppa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am not a big fan of The Shortest History of.... in general. They consistently prove to be clunky, awkward and just bad Non-Fiction all around. There are so many short Non-Fiction books that are much better than this series provides. I am sure I can provide a good alternative for each of them.

This book in particular is very awkward. The "jokes" are forced and not well placed, and while it promises to be a fun, light read, it's filled to the brim with unnecessary words and at the same time it feels like it was written in a rush. I usually read these books to gain some fun facts, but I got close to none. Whilst the molecular part was interesting, when it gets to present times, it tends to lean towards politics (even though it promises not to) and that's when i started getting wary. I hate when sexuality becomes a political issue and I hate that it keeps being perpetrated as a political issue.

Even though bigger, I recommend A Curious History of Sex by Kate Lister as an alternative to this. Written by a woman (!!!!), scientific enough but also historical enough. I like exploring sexuality in relation to philosophy, and that book also satisfies me under that aspect. Did you know that people can be attracted to the sun? There, a fun fact from that book.

[Gaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be a mandatory read in highschools.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ page 204. This book is almost completely without academic merit.
I had a lot of problems with this book, a few of which are listed below. But the main issue I had is that without identifying where you get your information from, it is impossible to tell whether you’re consuming legitimate fact based on real scientific evidence or not. The author is, in my view, too lazy to correctly reference sources.

The book stated that people today adopt trans and non-binary identities for “cultural and ideological reasons” (page 173), I don’t think I’ve ever heard a dogwhistle so loud.

Referred to meat caught 12,000 years ago as “game”, a term invented for animals hunted for sport in the early 14th century. At the very least, can you attempt to enlighten your audience about what you mean by this incorrect attribution?

The book was clearly not proofread, with random spelling and grammatical errors, as well as one sentence where a fish is mislabelled as a bird (page 44).

As mentioned above, no claims made in the book are referenced, leading to considerable doubt as to whether any of them are rooted in fact or fantasy. But there is a vague “further reading” list. Note: the author does not confirm whether he has actually read them all, or if they made a blind bit of difference to the content of the book.

I had a real problem with the author presenting theory off as fact to fit his narrative. “The Paleolithic world had a real problem with interpersonal violence. And the root of much of that violence was sex. Fights between men over mates, spouses killing spouses, the killing of illegitimate children—this is how many of these Paleolitic skeletons met their end” (page 183). There is absolutely no way we could ever know if this is true or not; this is just a theory.

Also claimed that Neanderthals would have only been proven to be capable of abstract thought if they engaged in body painting (page 186), completely disregarding Neanderthal burial rituals, tribal hierarchies and cannibalistic tendencies just to name a few.

States that marriage has been going on for tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of years. Again, untrue.

I honestly wouldn’t bother with this one.

[Priyanka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this not so widely known book. A perfect blend of history + biology (my favourite subjects) with the last part of the book touching sociology as well. The content was informative and full of witty humour at the same time. Loved all the puns xD One of the best crisply written non fiction I have read so far. Reminds me of Bill Bryson's writing style which also has a great sense of humour attached to truckload of facts.

[Katy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most illuminating and memorable books I've read recently.

Always a student of psychology, evolution and anthropology, this ticked all my boxes (slight double entendre there too).

I was absolutely fascinated with this, so much so I missed a turning for work! The structure of this was great, moving from evolutionary origins through to various related species and finally to humans and the speeding up of our societies, morals and changes in desires.

This packs in so much. I will be listening to it again as it was so intense a read really. Gave me so much to think about, where we came from, how long our bodies have been as they are and why. Sideways looks at other species and their societal structure as related to s*x and not just procreation. Why body parts themselves evolved. Eye-opening (and widening at times).

And also funny. A few great jokes and asides, had me laughing as a drove. Particularly a joke about the United Nations (nope, read it and find out - it's worth it for that alone).

Strong recommendation for anyone interested in where we 've come from, and in that absolutely essential part of all of us.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I liked the writing style with its clarity, conversational tone, and humour, including the laugh-out-loud parts. I found the explanations were great. The book is fast-paced and impossible to put down, yet it doesn’t feel rushed. This book is a great addition to the Shortest History series. Thank you to Netgalley and The Experiment for the advance reader copy.

[Gabby Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just your average history book, except it’s about sex. Had some fun bits here and there, but overall, nothing overly special.

[Daniel Banyai-Becker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall an entertaining and fun read. As an evolutionary biologist, I found a handful of half truths, albeit probably for the sake of brevity, which made me weary of some of the other sections of the book. The second half didn’t explore the evolution of kink nearly as much as I had hoped. Went from the evolution of sex and all of the sudden dives into modern social contracts around sex instead of what I expected - evolution of kink and modern relationship styles. Which like, okay fine I guess, but didn’t feel as compelling as the first “half”.

[Quilla · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m surprised at the good reviews. The jokes are forced and often just not funny. There’s a “further reading” section but few citations, and there were many times I would have liked to see the source material. The intro said they hoped the readers didn’t blush easily - there was no blushing; it’s not that interesting.

[Anna Røsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny titles but informative and serious facts and knowledge.

[Keith Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it really interesting but the lack of referencing concerned me and put me off.

[Justin Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Shortest History of Sex, Baker takes us on a journey that begins 3.8 billion years ago with the origins of life, travels through the chaotic evolution that shaped human sexual anatomy and instincts and delves into every stage of human history. I loved this book, and I will have to read this book again as I took so many notes but here is a summary of the book and some of my favourite pieces of information.

BEGINNING OF SEXUAL REPRODUCTION:
- 13.8 billion years ago: The Big Bang occurred, producing hydrogen, the first ingredient of DNA, which makes up approx. 75% of all matter in the universe.
- Other elements formed in stars and supernovas.
- 4.6 billion years ago: Our Sun, a third-generation star, formed, creating the solar system and planets.
- The solar system already contained hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus—key elements for life by the time Earth was born.
- These elements combined into increasingly complex chemical formulas, eventually leading to life.
- One configuration led to evolution and the transmission of traits through reproduction and sex.
- 4 billion years ago: Earth's surface temperature dropped below 212°F (100°C).
- 3.8 billion years ago: First life appeared in the seas, consisting of carbon-based ancestral microbes.
- Carbon's flexibility allows it to form about 90% of all chemical combinations in the universe.
- Early replicating organic chemicals may have predated DNA with a more primitive reproduction method now lost to time.
- Once DNA emerged, it became the dominant blueprint for life. All living life contains a shared genetic coding found in RNA and DNA.
- All living organisms share a common ancestor from approx.3.8 billion years ago. Referred to as LUCA (last ancestor common ancestor).
- Humans share 98.4% of DNA with chimpanzees and 40% with daffodils.
- Involves the combination of genetic material from two distinct cells.
- A key process in eukaryotic organisms (plants, animals, fungi, protists).
- Likely originated in single-celled protists approx.2 billion years ago, marking a significant evolutionary development.
EVOLUTIONARY ADVANTAGES OF SEXUAL REPRODUCTION:
- Introduces genetic diversity, enhancing adaptability to environmental changes.
- Trade-off: Only 50% of genetic material passed on (vs. 100% in asexual reproduction).
- Increased genetic variation has been advantageous for long-term survival.
MAMMALIAN REPRODUCTIVE STRATEGIES:
- Evolved to balance offspring development and survival.
- approx.225 million years ago, early mammaliaforms likely suckled young using mammary glands.
- Transition to live births occurred around 160 million years ago, offering enhanced protection in a world dominated by dinosaurs.
- This shift coincided with the breakup of Pangea and continental reconfiguration.
DNA AND RNA:
- DNA consists of two strands twisted into a double helix; RNA reads DNA sequences to interpret genetic information. 4 letters
- RNA delivers instructions to ribosomes to create proteins that build and maintain organisms.
- RNA interprets the pattern of adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine—analogous to a computer processing binary code. The arrangement of these chemicals in DNA dictates an organism's traits, which RNA transcribes and delivers to ribosomes, the cell's protein factories. These proteins execute the construction and maintenance of living creatures.
- If you unravelled all the DNA (2 meters / 6 ft in every cell) in your body (appox 37 trillion) and laid it out in a straight line, it would stretch an astonishing 10 billion miles—enough to travel from the Sun to Pluto and back… and then some! It would be about twice the diameter of the Solar System. Or would go to the moon and back 1500 times.
- It contains only 4 letters “A T G C” (adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine).
PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND EARTH'S EARLY ATMOSPHERE:
- Photosynthesizing organisms dominated early Earth and pumped oxygen into the atmosphere approx.2.2 billion years ago.
- Oxygen formed ozone (O3), which reflected sunlight and cooled the planet, triggering the "Snowball Earth" event (approx.2 billion years ago).
EUKARYOTIC CELLS AND SEXUAL REPRODUCTION:
- Eukaryotic cells evolved during the Snowball Earth crisis, with nuclei protecting DNA.
- Sexual reproduction likely originated when one eukaryotic cell engulfed another, leading to genetic recombination.
THE EVOLUTIONARY TRADE-OFF OF SEX:
- Sexual reproduction increases genetic variation but results in only 50% inheritance from each parent.
- This trade-off is counter balanced by the long-term benefits of increased adaptability.
SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AND THE EDIACARAN PERIOD:
- By 650-635 million years ago, multicellular eukaryotes with sexual anatomy emerged.
- Ediacaran period (approx.635–541 million years ago) saw tiny worm-like creatures lacking brains or self-awareness, with purely instinctual sexual behaviour.
CAMBRIAN EXPLOSION AND SEXUAL EVOLUTION:
- The Cambrian period (541–485 million years ago) saw a surge in biodiversity and the development of primitive spinal structures in ancestors.
- Bisexual behaviour emerged as species transitioned from hermaphroditism to separate sexes.
GAMETE INVESTMENT AND MATING BEHAVIOUR:
- The "economics of gametes" refers to the different energy investment between male and female reproductive cells.
- This has influenced mating behaviours in animals, including humans, for millions of years.
SEX MOVES TO LAND:
- approx.380 million years ago, ancestors moved to land, and by the Late Devonian period, vertebrates began mating on solid ground.
- Mating behaviours evolved with exposure to air, and pheromone use became more potent.
MASS EXTINCTION AND EVOLUTIONARY SHIFT:
- At the end of the Devonian period (358 million years ago), a mass extinction event wiped out 95–97% of amphibians, nearly erasing our lineage
- Survivors adapted to new environmental conditions, and sexual reproduction continued to evolve.
CARBONIFEROUS PERIOD AND ATMOSPHERIC CHANGES:
- During the Carboniferous period (359–299 million years ago), extensive forests contributed to elevated oxygen levels and widespread forest fires.
- These events shaped Earth's climate, leading to the formation of coal beds and the development of deserts.
EMERGENCE OF MAMMALS:
- Mammary glands in mammals evolved from their reptilian ancestors.
- approx.270 million years ago, synapsids developed pouches to protect eggs while moving through the Permian deserts.
- By 225 million years ago, mammaliaforms emerged, suckling their young and adapting to nocturnal survival.
TRANSITION TO LIVE BIRTHS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES:
- The transition to live births around 160 million years ago enhanced offspring survival.
- This shift coincided with the breakup of Pangea and the evolution of flowering plants, grasses, and the appearance of ants and bees.
IMPACT OF THE ASTEROID AND EVOLUTION OF MAMMALS:
- approx.66 million years ago, an asteroid impact led to mass extinction of all the dinosaurs (except for avian and the survival of small mammals, which adapted by consuming insects and plant life.
- These small mammals continued their existence in a world now dominated by surviving species.
SEXUAL PLEASURE AND EVOLUTION:
- Sexual pleasure, mediated by dopamine, likely emerged approx.530 million years ago in Cambrian fish, though they likely lacked awareness of pleasure.
- Over time, mammals developed more pronounced physiological responses during mating, contributing to emotional bonding.
MAMMALIAN REPRODUCTIVE DIFFERENCES:
- Marsupial males have testicles located above the penis, while placental mammals (including humans) have a different arrangement.
- These differences evolved between 125–66 million years ago during a period of significant change.
SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR BEYOND REPRODUCTION:
- Female sexual arousal increases reproductive success but isn't essential for conception.
- The clitoris coevolved with the external penis, enhancing female pleasure, although its role varies among species.
- Sex evolved from merely fertilising eggs with no orgasm to an explosive flood of dopamine explosion.
- Masturbation serves roles beyond reproduction, such as stress reduction and social bonding. Also reduces prostate cancer.
SUMMARY:
- The evolutionary journey from early vertebrates to modern mammals shaped anatomical traits, reproductive strategies, and social structures.
- These developments continue to influence emotional bonds and behaviours in contemporary species, including humans.

SEX, APES AND HOMO SAPIENS
Sexual reproduction, characterized by the combination of genetic material from two distinct cells, is a fundamental process in eukaryotic organisms, including plants, animals, fungi, and protists. This mechanism likely originated in single-celled protists
EARLY EVIDENCE OF COLLECTIVE LEARNING:
The foundation of human culture is deeply rooted in "collective learning," the unique ability of our species to accumulate knowledge and innovations across generations. This mechanism enables us to continually enhance our tools, ideas, and behaviours, even as our biological evolution proceeds at a more gradual pace.
HOMO ERECTUS (circa 1.5 million years ago): In East Africa, Homo erectus demonstrated early signs of collective learning by refining stone hand axes, marking a significant advancement in tool-making.
HOMO ANTECESSOR (approximately 1.2 million years ago): This species further developed technological skills, paving the way for more sophisticated tools and behaviours.
HOMO HEIDELBERGENSIS (around 700,000 years ago): H. heidelbergensis not only crafted advanced tools but also became the first hominin to inhabit all of Eurasia.
NEANDERTHALS (about 400,000 years ago): Neanderthals exhibited complex behaviours, including the controlled use of fire, creation of blade tools, crafting of wooden spears, and the development of composite tools by affixing stone to wood. They also adapted to colder climates by creating insulated clothing.
HUMAN SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR:
- Humans share approx.98.7% of their DNA with chimpanzees and exhibit both monogamous and promiscuous behaviours.
- This suggests complex evolutionary pressures balancing pair bonding and genetic diversity.
EVOLUTIONARY SIGNIFICANCE OF ROMANTIC LOVE:
- Romantic love is linked to the time required for child development, ensuring the survival and well-being of offspring.
EMERGENCE OF HOMO SAPIENS:
- Homo sapiens appeared in Africa around 315,000 years ago. Despite sharing similar intellectual and anatomical traits with our ancient counterparts, modern humans have transitioned from using stone tools to constructing skyscrapers in a relatively brief period, evolutionarily speaking.
THE INFLUENCE OF CULTURE ON HUMAN BEHAVIOUR:
- The advent of culture introduced traditions, rituals, laws, and ideals that significantly shaped human behaviour, often surpassing the influence of our innate biological instincts. This cultural framework has continually transformed our approaches to various aspects of life, including sexuality, as we evolved from hunter-gatherer societies to agrarian communities and, eventually, to modern civilizations.
SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AND CULTURAL EVOLUTION:
- PALAEOLITHIC ERA (315,000 to 12,000 years ago): For approximately 96% of human history, our ancestors lived as hunter-gatherers. During this period, women typically married and began childbearing shortly after reaching puberty, around the age of 13. By age 20, a woman might have had two or three children. Due to the nomadic lifestyle, communal child-rearing practices emerged, and pregnancies were spaced out, with infanticide occurring in cases of closely spaced births.
- MODERN ERA: In contrast, contemporary societies in developed nations often see women having children between the ages of 27 and 29, with the age of consent ranging from 16 to 18. These shifts reflect significant cultural changes influencing sexual behaviour and family structures.
SEXUAL ORIENTATION DIVERSITY:
- Human sexuality is diverse, encompassing various orientations beyond heterosexuality. Studies indicate that approximately 3.5% of adults identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual.
- Approximately 8.5 percent of the human population is bisexual (15 percent of women, 2 percent of men), 1.5 percent of the population are gay (or roughly 3 percent of men), 0.75 percent are lesbian (or roughly 1.5 percent of women), 0.5 percent of the population are asexual (0.8 percent of women, 0.2 percent of men), with the remaining 88.75 percent of the human population being straight.
- Today in the developed world, a large University of Chicago survey conducted from 2000 to 2016 found that approximately 20 percent of men and 15 percent of women cheat on their partners.
FETISHES
- Our number one fetishes amongst sexual fantasies are dominance and submission and S&M (sadomasochism) – usually referred to BDSM. 2017 Belgian study revealed a staggering 68% of adults have fantasised about BDSM scenarios, approximately 45% of adults claimed to have engaged in BDSM sex practises at least once in their lives, 26% engage in a semi regular basis and 12.5% do so weekly.
MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE:
- In developed countries, approximately 55% of marriages are successful, with 70% of these unions involving children.
- About 45.5% of marriages end in divorce, with roughly half of these separations involving children. The average duration of these marriages is approximately 7.85 years.
- Divorce rates vary across professions. Individuals working in urban service industries are more susceptible to divorce, while those residing in rural areas and working in agriculture experience significantly lower divorce rates. Specifically, divorce rates among urban service workers can be 400% to 500% higher compared to their rural farming counterparts.
- Cohabiting before marriage also influences divorce likelihood. Studies indicate that couples who live together prior to marriage have a 45% higher chance of divorcing compared to those who do not cohabit before getting married.
- However, other research suggests that cohabitation does not significantly affect divorce rates if the couple is engaged during their time living together.
- Additionally, long-term cohabitation without marriage may decrease the likelihood of eventual marriage, with only 30% of couples living together for ten years or more choosing to marry.
- EARLY 20TH CENTURY: In 1929, approximately 80% of married households in industrialized countries featured a stay-at-home housewife. However, this idealized role was relatively short-lived, influenced by technological advancements and changing societal norms.
- POST-WORLD WAR II: The introduction of the contraceptive pill and antibiotics led to a sexual revolution, altering traditional views on marriage and sexuality.
- LATE 20TH TO EARLY 21ST CENTURY: Divorce rates have fluctuated, with studies indicating that couples who cohabit before marriage are 39% more likely to divorce. However, recent data suggests that divorce rates have declined since the 1990s, with modern marriages exhibiting greater stability.
CONTEMPORARY TRENDS IN SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR:
- In the 1920s, most people met their spouse through family or church, or they married a well-known lifelong acquaintance in their local community.
- In Philadelphia in 1928, 83% of married couples lived less than a mile from each other before getting married. Between 1970 and 2010 the dominant trend was for men and women to meet at their workplace or via mutual friends.
- Then the Internet occurred and in 2010, approximately 20% of couples met via online dating. By 2020 this a double to understand in 40% and the Internet is now the leading way couples meet.
- Today, 70% of users are male and 30% of female, with the latter still meeting a larger proportion of men via work, friends or on nights out. However, if you meet your spouse in a bar or a club, your chances of divorce increased by roughly 45%.
- In the digital age, online platforms have become prevalent venues for individuals to meet potential partners. By 2020, approximately 40% of couples met through online dating, making it the most common method of partner introduction. This shift has influenced patterns in dating and relationship formation.
- Modern dating: The upshot of male dependency on dating apps is that male sexlessness is that record levels, approximately 17% of men under the age of 30 are virgins and 28% of them not having had sex in the past year.
- Pornography on the internet is staggering – and is larger industry than Hollywood movies or video games.
CONCLUSION:
- The interplay between our evolutionary heritage and cultural developments has profoundly shaped human sexuality and societal structures. As we continue to evolve, both biologically and culturally, understanding this dynamic relationship offers valuable insights into our past behaviours and future trajectories. This book was an amazing look at how we and sex has evolved. I loved it.

[Preetam Chatterjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished David Baker’s The Shortest History of Sex last Wednesday, and I’m still grinning like someone who’s just been handed the diary of evolution’s most scandalous secrets. At barely 300 pages, this book doesn’t just breeze through two billion years of biology, behavior, and bedroom politics—it struts.

With wit, erudition, and just the right dash of cheek, Baker pulls off the seemingly impossible: he makes sex—its history, science, sociology, and psychology—both scholarly and…well, seductively readable.

But before we talk about Baker, let me take you back to my own awakening to the curiosities of sex—not the act, but the idea.

It was 1997. I was 18, soaking in Pablo Neruda’s poems under a cracked tube-light in my old study, trying to make sense of all that breathless yearning. Neruda made love sound like religion, and I was a newly self-conscious young man raised on whispered Bengali euphemisms and awkward biology classes that skipped entire chapters. We didn’t talk about sex. We referred to it like it was Voldemort: the thing that must not be named.

Fast forward to now—I teach literature and language, I read prolifically, and I believe fiercely in open conversations. So when I saw The Shortest History of Sex at my favorite haunt on College Street, I didn’t even hesitate. And Baker delivered.

Baker’s central thesis is that sex is neither a cultural accessory nor just an animal instinct—it’s the evolutionary engine of everything from gender roles to global empires. Starting with the eukaryotes—those early microbes that basically invented genetic recombination—he tracks the twists and turns of how procreation morphed into recreation, and how biology and culture played tag-team across centuries.

He writes with the energy of a TED talker and the depth of a Cambridge don. One moment you’re learning how certain fish change sex mid-life (looking at you, clownfish), and the next you’re hurtling into how Victorian prudery reshaped Western sexual ethics.

What I loved most is that Baker doesn’t shy away from contradictions. He doesn’t paint a linear history where things get “better” or “freer.” He shows how sex has always been policed and politicized, even as it’s been celebrated. From ancient fertility cults to digital dating apps, desire has always been both personal and power-laden.

There are chapters here that had me sit up straighter. For example, the discussion of how colonialism weaponized sex—not just through violence, but through systems of control, racial stereotypes, and missionary morality. Or the bit about how contraception’s arrival in the 20th century didn’t just liberate women—it freaked out patriarchy. Deeply.

And yet, Baker also offers hope. The history of sex is also the history of resistance. Of queer love surviving regimes. Of women rewriting pleasure narratives. Of lovers defying state and scripture alike.

As a teacher, I kept thinking: Why didn’t I have this book when I was younger? Not because it’s “explicit” (it’s not, really—it’s too clever for that), but because it unshackles sex from shame. It arms the reader with language—scientific, historical, psychological—to understand what has long been swaddled in myth and moral panic.

If I could, I’d make this required reading in senior school. Teach it alongside biology and literature. Place it between Darwin and Audre Lorde. Because Baker’s book doesn’t just inform—it liberates.

Some might expect this to be a risqué romp. It’s not. It’s delightfully brainy. Baker references Plato and Foucault, delves into the Kama Sutra without exoticizing it, and quotes Simone de Beauvoir with reverence. He even tackles AI and the future of sex bots with a straight face—well, mostly straight. (I’m pretty sure he smirked while typing those paragraphs.)

His language is crisp, but never clinical. It dances. He knows when to drop a pun and when to drop a truth bomb. That balance is rare.

By the time I turned the last page, I didn’t feel scandalized. I felt seen. As someone who grew up in a society that taught sex as silence and control, The Shortest History of Sex felt like someone finally flinging open the windows and letting the light in.

This isn’t just a history of sex. It’s a celebration of our species’ strangest, most powerful, most politicized instinct—and a gentle nudge to look at our own relationship with it.

Smart, sharp, human. A short book with long shadows. And a worthy companion to both Freud and Foucault—with more fun and fewer footnotes.

[Sameer Gudhate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let’s be honest—sex is everywhere, and yet we barely talk about it openly. In most Indian households, it’s that uncomfortable word we skip over, the “chapter to be ignored” in biology class, or the awkward silence between parents and kids. But here’s the twist: our evolution, our society, our behaviour—all of it is deeply shaped by sex.
So when I picked up The Shortest History of Sex by David Baker, I wasn’t expecting to be entertained, educated, and downright amused all at once. Known for his work on Big History (yes, he literally holds the world’s first PhD in it), Baker is no stranger to taking huge, complicated timelines and boiling them down into gripping narratives. You may have heard of his Crash Course Big History series with John and Hank Green—or maybe you've stumbled upon his previous book The Shortest History of the World. This book? It takes a subject we all think we “know” and unpacks it in a way that feels both smart and accessible.

This isn’t just a book about sex acts or modern relationships—it’s the grand tour of sex through the ages. Baker begins two billion years ago (yep, that far back) when sex first emerged as a biological phenomenon. He then guides us through how different species—including our close cousins like bonobos and chimps—have handled sex, reproduction, and relationships. From there, the narrative flows into human history, covering everything from tribal orgies to marriage contracts, monogamy, patriarchy, religion, online dating, OnlyFans, and what sex might look like in the future. It’s like watching an evolutionary documentary, only cheekier.

Baker’s voice is playful, witty, and just cheeky enough to make you smirk but never cringe. His tone reminds me of Bill Bryson—filled with quirky facts and observations, yet not afraid to dive deep. And if you enjoy sarcasm peppered with science, this will be a treat. He tackles sensitive topics with care, keeping the narrative light without trivializing its importance.

At its core, this book isn’t just about doing it—it’s about understanding it. Baker explores how sex is deeply tied to our identity, culture, psychology, and evolution. He nudges us to question why we view certain practices as “normal,” how patriarchy shaped our approach to sex, and how technology is rewriting the rulebook. And it’s not preachy—it’s thought-provoking.

The book is cleverly divided into three sections—Evolutionary Foreplay, which delves into the biology and origins of sex; The Primate Climax, exploring our early ancestors and how their societies shaped sexual norms; and Cultural Afterglow, which brings us into the modern era of sex, politics, and the digital age. This structure not only keeps the pace brisk and engaging but also allows the narrative to flow seamlessly, with each chapter building on the last. Before you even realize it, you’ve zipped through billions of years of history—laughing, learning, and occasionally gasping along the way.

I found myself laughing, reflecting, and—on more than one occasion—saying “Wait, what?!” aloud. There’s something deeply humbling about realizing how much of what we think is “modern” or “civilized” is rooted in our ancient instincts. And honestly, it made me wish I’d had access to such a book during my teens—would’ve saved a lot of confusion!

Its biggest strength? Accessibility. Whether you're a science nerd, history buff, or just curious about sex, this book speaks to all. The facts are fascinating, the humour is sharp, and the transitions between science and culture are seamless.

If I had to nitpick, I’d say the modern-day section could’ve dug deeper. Some sociological elements felt a tad surface-level, and there were moments where the witty tone tiptoed into overkill. But hey, better cheeky than clinical.

As someone who believes we need to normalize conversations around sex, this book felt liberating. I didn’t hide the cover, nor do I think anyone should. It’s a book we all need—not just for information, but for empathy and perspective.

If you’ve ever felt confused, curious, or even a little amused by how complicated our sex lives have become, pick this up. The Shortest History of Sex is not just a history book—it’s a cultural eye-opener. And if you're someone who thinks sex is a taboo topic, then especially read it.

[Yupa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Divulgazione spinta (in più di un senso)

Libro che porta all'estremo la divulgazione all'americana, infarcendo tanti paragrafi di battutine, tra l'altro abbastanza penose, in un continuo ammiccare e dar di gomito al lettore. Ma forse è per l'argomento che affronta, la storia del sesso e della sessualità, argomento privo di vie di mezzo tra la trattazione asettica degli specialisti e un parlare al grande pubblico che vuol stemperare l'imbarazzo ridendoci sopra. Per fortuna col procedere delle pagine le battutine si diradano, quasi spariscono. Forse l'autore a un certo punto si è stancato, non ne poteva più. Comunque, meglio così.
Ma il libro è divulgativo anche in un altro senso: nonostante una bibliografia, comunque non molto ricca, tutti i dati che riporta, e sono parecchî, è privo di note che ne indichino la provenienza. Aggiungiamo che ho letto commenti secondo cui diversi fatti riportati dall'autore non sarebbero nemmeno così certi; in questi casi la domanda è sempre chi ha ragione, ma una certa faciloneria del libro, che più che un saggio organico viaggia sull'orlo di risolversi in una lunga collezione di curiosità, rafforza il sospetto che la ragione sia dei critici. E in effetti il libro spesso sembra peccare di eccessiva sicurezza, specialmente nelle lunghe parti in cui riconduce in toto tantissime pratiche e tendenze della sessualità umana all'evoluzione e alle abitudine dei nostri antenati primati, persi in decine di milioni di anni nel passato. Lo fa con la monogamia, lo fa con la poliginia, lo fa pure col feticismo dei piedi (sic!). E visto che il passato evolutivo è lungo e variegato è fin troppo facile trovarvi un appiglio per ricondurvi qualunque cosa del presente. Il problema è che non basta presumerlo, bisognerebbe anche provarlo.
Ma nonostante tutto e con le dovute, notevoli cautele, il libro resta comunque interessante perché fornisce una prospettiva con uno sguardo larghissimo, dai primi microbi che si scambiarono il DNA sino a Tinder e OnlyFans, prospettiva capace di provocare e che soprattutto invita a smontare diversi meccanismi della sessualità e delle relazioni dei secoli passati e soprattutto di oggi, e chiedersi se magari dietro molte cose che davamo o diamo per scontate non ci sia dietro qualcos'altro. Uno spirito apprezzabile che è sempre bene tenere acceso, e allora non importa se nello specifico il libro rischia di sbandare nei ragionamenti e nei dati.
Alla fin della fiera, poi, e al di là del libro, può spuntar fuori una domanda tipica: prendere quei sentimenti cantati dai poeti e ricondurli a cause occulte fuori dal nostro controllo, cause biologiche o culturali che siano, non finisce per svilirli o, ancor peggio, portare a un'etica brutale e cinica dei rapporti umani, specialmente di quei rapporti che quasi tutti considerano i più importanti e preziosi? Può essere, a patto di rimanere entro un'ottica che contrappone la materia bruta e ignobile a qualcosa di più alto, indefinibile e impalpabile, e per questo più nobile. Ma se si accetta che in fondo tutto è uno, che alto e basso sono solo due modi diversi di descrivere la stessa cosa, e che non è l'origine di qualcosa a decretarne il valore, si può anche ribaltare la prospettiva: anche se amare fosse unicamente frutto della cieca spinta del DNA a replicarsi, non sarebbe comunque questo il motivo più valido per farne a meno e impedirsi (a che pro, poi?) di viverne i benefici che, quando possibili, non sono certo cosa da poco.

[Tutankhamun18 · Rating 2 out of 5]

E xplores the evolutionary and historical origins of sex from its earliest beginnings to the modern era. Baker traces how sexual reproduction first developed in simple organisms about two billion years ago and how it evolved through plants, animals, dinosaurs, primates, and finally humans. The book explains the biological foundations of sex and how these deep evolutionary roots continue to shape human sexual behaviour, diversity, instincts, and social practices today, including mating rituals and modern phenomena such as online dating. It also charts changes in human sexuality through foraging, agrarian, and contemporary periods, highlighting how cultural, social, and technological factors have influenced sexual expression and relationships. Baker aims to provide both scientific insight and engaging narrative to reveal why human sexuality is complex and varied and how it reflects the interplay between nature and nurture

I liked the first part about the origins of life on earth, early reproduction and how we got to be a species with two distinct sets of gametes and parental investment in a child. The later chapters that focus more on cultural aspects of human sexual development were weaker in how they are written. Most references were to books from the late 90s and early 2000s, with only a few books from recent years and notable omission of certain texts I would have thought key (such as Bitch by Lucy Cooke). Overall I found it a fun read, but there are way better books out there on the topic.

[Shreyas Bhindwale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written book on human anthropology and the role and outlook towards sex through the ages.

The author starts with the very beginning of the Big Bang where we were single celled organisms and guides us through billions of years where we evolved through sea world, reptiles, amphibians, apes to Sapiens. Through the multiple evolutions, our ways and outlook towards sex has evolved rapidly and continues to evolve.

The book also talks about how, once we started living in packs, the outlook towards sex changed and we evolved through generations of species which followed various practices with regards to reproduction and society structure.

The book gives insights about how our near cousins’ (apes, chimps, gorillas, bonobos etc) societies are structured basis their sexual activities. While a lot of these species are polygamous, Homo Sapiens and a few species have been monogamous and that has grown over the years as we settles down with the agricultural revolution. The author conveys some very tough topics in a very witty manner without losing taste of the sensitive topic.

While the last few millennia have seen very rapid change in terms of our society, our minds remain primitive and are struggling to adopt the cultural revolution we are going through every decade.

A must read for anyone interested in human evolution.

[Zach · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded down. I think it is most fair to review it divided into two sections. The first section (4 stars) describes human evolution from chemicals in the primordial soup to the Great Apes, through the lens of reproduction. While I think the author was at times a bit too cheeky, and I wish he acknowledged a bit more about what we do not know, it was a fascinating and enjoyable read. The second section (3 stars) covers our more recent history and I feel like it took a bit too many liberties in ascribing things to evolution (nature over nurture) and the dips into culture/society were fairly superficial. The statistics he cites for the modern era of dating/sex, however, are informative, fascinating, and somewhat disturbing. Definitely food for thought.

For a slightly more scientific, equally humorous book on modern sexual history, I highly recommend Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex. But the Shortest History of Sex is a quick and enjoyable enough read, filled with some really interesting information in the first sections.

[EJ Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️3.5 stars, rounded down.

This is a fun book, but I have some minor gripes. My first major concern is that the author fails to cite any of his information. I have no idea where he pulled his information from, there are no footnotes, parentheses with author names or anything of the sort. At the end of the book there is a “further reading” list, which I assume are his sources, but he didn’t put “references” or “bibliography,” so it is a little hard to trust this guy despite his PHD in “Big History”.

Secondly, I thought some of the “jokes” and humor in this book were clunky and more awkward than funny, but that’s probably a personal preference thing. Oh well, I still enjoyed the book well enough! It wasn’t enough to DNF over.

Finally, this seems more of an overview book. For a book that covers 2 billion years, it is pretty expansive, however lots is simplified. That’s to be expected. If you are new to this topic (historical, scientific, sociological, etc.) this is a good place to start! People in the reviews have put other books about the history of sex that I am going to check out as well. If you know a lot about this topic, you might want to skip this one!

Thanks for reading. :•)

[Filipa Correia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ter lido este livro está no top de coisas mais aborrecidas já fiz na vida. E atenção que o livro está bem escrito, usa linguagem inclusiva e é claro quantos às desigualdades que sempre existiram, por exemplo em questões de sexo e género. Também achei o livro factual e fundamentado em evidências, sendo quase sempre claro quando o autor está a ser especulativo.

No entanto, o livro é extremamente aborrecido. Talvez o maior problema do livro seja simplesmente o título que coloca a expectativa do leitor (ou a minha pelo menos) bastante distante daquilo que o livro oferece. Vamos esclarecer que o livro começa no big bang e só passadas algumas páginas é que avança para a reprodução celular. Celular, leram bem!

O livro tem 330 páginas a as últimas 70 até são interessantes, daí ter dado 2 estrelas e não 1. Notem que esta minha observação implica que 80% do livro foi um suplício de ler!

Mesmo tendo gostado de ler os últimos capítulos que finalmente remontam ao homo sapiens e à sociedade moderna, este livro não é sobre sexo. Eu diria que este livro é sobre reprodução e práticas sexuais.

Para futuros leitores do livro, assumam que um bom título para este livro teria sido “A mais longa história da reprodução de seres vivos e as suas práticas sexuais”.

[Idelia Risella · Rating 5 out of 5]

’m a pretty casual non-fiction reader. I usually pick at chapters here and there and rarely read a book all the way through. But The Shortest History of Sex by David Baker had me hooked. I read every word and honestly wish I’d picked it up sooner.

What I really liked about The Shortest History of Sex was the way David Baker writes. Like he’s speaking to you, not at you. His style is sharp, witty, and surprisingly personal. Some parts even had me laughing out loud, which is not something I ever expected from a history book. But it’s not just funny, it’s deeply insightful too. It genuinely got me thinking differently about the world and about us as humans. It explains so much about why we behave the way we do, without making it feel complicated or heavy. In fact, it’s super easy to read, but still gave me a whole new level of respect, understanding, and even love for people in general.

This is 100% a must-read.

[JM Gallego · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ensayo. Va repasando la historia de la vida sobre la Tierra, haciendo foco en los mecanismos reproductivos, asociados al sexo. Lenguaje poco envarado, algunos chascarrillos sobre el sexo pero sin pasarse, mantiene el tono verídico todo el tiempo. Dividido en tres partes por orden cronológico, repasa la evolución, la evolución de los primates (con los que tanto compartimos): chimpancés, bonobos, gibones, gorilas, etc; y la época de los humanos, con los grandes cambios en la revolución agraria, los que estamos viendo en nuestra época -pornografía online, redes sociales- y terminando con varias hipótesis sobre el futuro.
Quizá no desglosa las estadísticas por países, zonas, etc.
Impresión subjetiva
Me ha gustado, por el tema, por el tratamiento, riguroso sin ser envarado, y por lo que dice sobre este tema que nos afecta tanto.

[Danya Ateya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really entertaining and informative read! It's fascinating to read how we came to procreate in the first place, going all the way back to the beginning!

I thought the book took a bit of a dip towards the last two chapters. I thought that it mostly took up discussions of marriage and gender roles, which are interesting to the grand scheme of discussions of sex itself, but it took me out of the overall experience, having learned so many exciting new things throughout the entire book. Perhaps more discussion surrounding different cultures and queer sexuality and romance would have kicked it up a notch.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book regardless. If you want to dive into a totally new/niche topic for yourself, this is the book for you!

[Bryan Perissutti · Rating 4 out of 5]

For this series, I really enjoy and every time I read one of these books I learn something new!

For this book specifically, I found it very intriguing. Particularly, learning about the evolutionary origins of human sexual behavior. It also provides context for interesting thought experiments about correlations between modern sexual attitudes and behavior. Additionally, when taken in whole of human history, the book makes a compelling point that the rapid change in civilization over the last 250 years has outpaced the evolution of our sexual behavior and attitudes.

I’m certainly not an expert in this field of study so I don’t know that I can make any judgments on this book contribution to the larger body of research, but I found it compelling enough for this novice.

[Robin C · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast-paced and often humorous read, The Shortest History of Sex covers two billion years, from the big bang and microbes all the way down the evolutionary tree to humans. The book explores how the complex sex lives of primates transformed into the weird and wonderful aspects of human sexuality from our foraging ancestors to our futuristic selves. Without judgment, David Baker takes us on this long, strange trip, uncovering instinctual behaviors, multifaceted passions, relationship patterns, curious desires, and so much more. You may not learn new bedroom tricks but you may be able to explain your peccadillo by saying the bonobos did it too.

[Gee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely an interesting read with lots of new information for me!
Sometimes this book made me sad as of course as a woman the history is sex and how we have been treated in society isn't exactly pleasant. Lots of rape, coercion and forced to endure things for men.
The end quarter of the book discussing the predictions for modern life and where things may go in the future for sex and relationships was interesting. It is part hopeful and part sad too, who knows what the future may hold.
Of course as a society we've come so far and with technology relationships may look very different for people in the future with long distance, different priorities and what relationships even mean.

[Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shortest History of Sex is a wonderfully written book, full of information and facts while still adhering to the greater population (like me) that are new to a lot of these technical terms and concepts. While reading this, I felt lots of concepts falling into place, the backstory behind female oppression, why we get married, monogamous and non-monogamous tendencies, etc. Nothing in this world is random, the point we’ve gotten to in terms of sexual evolution is due to years of culture, environment, mutations, etc. This book opened my eyes and explained in understanding terms how we got here and why we do what we do, which I haven’t previously given much thought to. It touches on the past, present and ends nicely with a questions regarding the rise of technology, how that will effect our sex practices, relationships, birth rates. Totally recommend, very insightful.

[Kait · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shortest History of Sex is the punniest, roaring laughter-induced, educational book I've ever read! If you have ever been curious about the origins of sex, but aren't interested in mundane educational texts, this is definitely for you! I laughed the entire read, and learned numerous new things along the way! This is a must-have book for any and all sec-positive individuals. I mean, IT. HAS. DINOSAURS in it! Dinos and sex education? It doesn't get much better than that. You'l be missing out if you don't add this to your TBR. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC opportunity!

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spanning two billion years from the first stirrings of life to the present day, this interesting and informative book traces the evolutionary origins of sexuality in all its modern complexity. It mixes scientific and crude language in a way that can be jarring. Some of the claims about the sexuality of ancient Homo species seem speculative, as does the analysis of BDSM and other fetishes. The book is food for thought, but I wouldn’t call it authoritative.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.