Alex Comfort: The Revolutionary Author of ‘The Joy of Sex’
Sex positivity, polyamory, and threesomes may not be universal practices today, but the shift in their acceptability has much to do with a largely forgotten British polymath named Alex Comfort. In 1972, Comfort, a physician, expert on molluscs, and gerontologist, published The Joy of Sex, the first popular English-language book that explained and celebrated sexual practices.
The Birth of The Joy of Sex
This groundbreaking book, styled as a coffee table guide with tasteful illustrations of sexual positions, became an international bestseller. It significantly influenced perceptions of sex, moving it away from the purely procreative to the recreational.
Behind the Scenes of a Cultural Icon
The story of how The Joy of Sex was written is set to be the subject of an upcoming comedy film directed by Sharon Maguire, known for the Bridget Jones series. Maguire sees it as a film about what shaped her generation, as many of her parents likely read Comfort’s work.
Inspiration: Sharon ‘Shazza’ Maguire. Photograph: Isa Foltin/WireImage
Maguire’s film will explore the love triangle between Comfort, his wife Ruth, and Jane Henderson, a university friend who became his lover and collaborator. Comfort had shared Polaroids of their sexual activities with publishers, which the illustrators eventually used as references.
The illustrators faced challenges finding appropriate models, leading to an unusual situation where one illustrator, Charles Raymond, posed with his wife to model the poses while the other drew.
Impact and Legacy
The Joy of Sex brought unprecedented clarity and openness to sexual practices. However, it also marked the beginning of the end for Comfort’s marriage, as Ruth resented the public humiliation of his affair with Henderson. Comfort divorced Ruth and remarried Henderson in 1974.
Published in 1972, The Joy Of Sex became an international bestseller. Photograph: Retro AdArchives/Alamy
Comfort faced financial and personal challenges after the book’s success. Although it didn’t make him wealthy, the book’s publication brought him public scrutiny and societal expectations he struggled to meet. He moved to the United States, where he found a more accepting environment.
Comfort had a complex relationship with sex, viewing it not just as a physical act but also as a path to liberation and social change. At Sandstone, a clothing-optional resort he frequented, he immersed himself in a community that embraced free love. However, by the end of the 1970s, he and Henderson grew more conventional in their sexual practices.
The Power of an Open Mind
Comfort’s openness about his sexual practices and the writing of The Joy of Sex reflect a broader societal shift. Despite his lifting the veil on previously taboo subjects, Comfort’s idealistic vision of an era of open, experimental sexuality never fully materialized.
Throughout his life, Comfort remained influential but also a somewhat misunderstood figure. He continued to write about gerontology and further sexual health topics, but The Joy of Sex remained his most significant work.
Legacy and Modern Reflections
Maguire is also producing a documentary about the impact of The Joy of Sex and is reaching out to original readers, now in their late 70s and 80s, to gather firsthand testimonials. She aims to capture the book’s lasting influence on modern attitudes towards sex, relationships, and love.
Comfort’s journey in The Joy of Sex serves as a reminder of the power of open, honest discussions about sexuality. While his life and work faced numerous challenges, his pioneering spirit helped liberate countless readers to embrace their own sexual desires and relationships.
Conclusion: Alex Comfort and the Sexual Revolution
Alex Comfort’s legacy extends far beyond The Joy of Sex. Through his work, he challenged social norms and paved the way for greater sexual liberation. Although he didn’t achieve a world of polyamory and open relationships, he played a crucial role in making these discussions possible.
As we reflect on his impact, we can see how changing perspectives on sex have evolved, from the strict mores of the 1950s to the more open discussions of today. Comfort’s story is a testament to the enduring importance of sexual literacy and acceptance.
If you have a story to share about how The Joy of Sex influenced you, please email JOS@sevenstoriestv.com.
