Passionate Hearts: The Poetry of Sexual Love

by Wendy Maltz (Editor), Molly Peacock (Preface), Barry W. McCarthy (Foreword)

Compiled by renowned sex therapist and author Wendy Maltz, Passionate Hearts is a remarkable anthology of intimate, emotionally explicit, yet accessible poetry, representing new voices as well as the most revered contemporary poets. Culled from classic works of poetry, unpublished work solicited especially for the book, and poetry and erotica journals, these poems celebrate sexual connection and expression. Contributors include Sharon Olds, Gary Soto, E. E. cummings, Marge Piercy, Raymond Carver, Galway Kinnell, Pablo Neruda, and Tess Gallagher.

Genres: Poetry, Sexuality, Anthologies

205 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Wendy Maltz LCSW, DST is an internationally recognized author, speaker, and sex therapist. Her books include The Porn Trap, The Sexual Healing Journey, Private Thoughts, Passionate Hearts, Intimate Kisses, and Incest & Sexuality. Wendy’s highly acclaimed videos are Relearning Touch and Partners in Healing. In 2014 she received the prestigious Carnes Award from the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health. Wendy and Larry Maltz LCSW, an esteemed therapist with more than 30 years of experience, provide consultation and counseling services at Maltz Counseling Associates in Eugene, Oregon.

Reviews

[Mintkittytea · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author is a professional sex therapist who condemns all love poetry of the past as toxic and misogynistic, claiming that a truly healthy sexual relationship is between a man and a woman, spanning a lifetime, where both are equals. The definition is narrow and exclusive. I was unsettled by the authors views and slightly offended.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought tears to my eyes múltiple times...this anthology focuses on actually making love in a committed long-term relationship. Not to say there are not explicit poems that might make some blush. But this book is about so much more than the physical act...and so far I haven't found one like it. Well done.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful, delightful, well-earmarked friend of a book. 5 stars

[HJK44 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found some of the poems to be quite beautiful and provocative. Very nice compendium overall!

[Constancia]

This is NOT a shitty, cheesy book of poetry.

[Cordell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. This poetry captures all the emotions of Love, hate, sex, sin and pleasure.