Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of The Shortest History of Sex by David Baker

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.

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