Femalia
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Book Reviews of Femalia
Book Review: such a useful teaching tool
Summary: 5 Stars
I used Femalia in a variety of workshops I present for women, many of whom previously didn't even have words for their sexual parts beyond "down there."
And I've found that looking at and talking about these photos often enables women to talk about sexual issues, trauma, abuse or sexual joy, often feeling safe to do so for the first time in their lives.
Now that I've begun reading about the horrible new plastic surgery they call "labial beautification," I wish more women had access to a book like Femalia to see how diverse and wonderful women's bodies are.
It's intriguing to me that many of the reader reviews posted here by by men who complain that the photos didn't do a thing for them. I don't think these were intended to be sexual turn-ons. And those who've complained that these photos are merely gynecological are missing the point. Unlike men, women can't easily see their own sexual parts. It's important and helpful that these show--in a very realsitic fashion--just how we are made.
Bottom line--if you'll forgive the pun--is that I find Femalia to be an incredibly empowering book for the women who've seen it and one of the best teaching tools available as far as female sexuality is concerned.
Book Review: Every one is unique
Summary: 5 Stars
Four photographers capture thirty-two women in their most intimate detail: their vulvas. The photos appear without comment. None seems needed, since each is simply, obviously, and uniquely what it is.
These gorgeous color photos document a range of women's genitals, in coloring, in size and shape of the labia, and in every other detail of their structure and appearance - and, in a few cases, in the jewelry with which the woman adorns herself. To someone who hasn't already experienced some of the delightful variety in this part of the human animal, the differences might come as a surprise. Like faces, they all have the same parts laid out on the same general plan. Also like faces, perhaps even more, that common plan still leaves room for boundless variety and for every woman to have an appearance all her own. And, in an interesting comment on shifting fashions, nearly none of these early-90s portaits show signs of shaving.
Once you get past the clinical display, the variety, delicacy, and - yes - beauty of each one takes over. Men and women might approach this collection in somewhat different ways. One fact will unite all viewers, though: one way or another, this is something to love.
-- wiredweird
Book Review: Not what it purports to be
Summary: 2 Stars
This book suffers from a problem in the billing it has been given. I was disappointed. Having purchased it, I would say it should be categorized as a teaching aid, and the book itself suggests that it may be useful to doctors, nurses, or teachers-anyone whose work involves talking with people about their bodies. Unfortunately the book is for sale at Amazon in a section that suggests it is an art book. The coy cover also suggests that this will be a book that seeks to explore the female genitalia in terms of the abstract beauty of the human body. It was on that assumption that I bought it, anyway. In fact, the photographs have little artistic appeal. They are quite clinical. There is little erotic appeal either-for the same reason. If you need a set of examples of female genitalia for some illustrative purpose, this book is fine. If you are seriously interested in art photography, go elsewhere. If it's pornography you're after, hit the newsstand-or your browser button.Book Review: An important book
Summary: 5 Stars
These photographs are shockingly beautiful, largely because ofthe deceptive simplicity of style.[Some] have complained that the photographs in this book are not "artistic" enough. As I see it, the importance and beauty of this book is its willingness to portray women's genitals in an honest, non-sexualized way. Art or abstraction is entirely opposite to the purpose of portraying the reality of women's bodies, as free as possible from the typical conceptions of Western culture (think of how naked women are usually shown in canonical art, or, better yet, pornography). The remark one reader made that many of the vulvas depicted would scare male readers is quite telling. They might scare a lot of readers, and the confrontation and analysis of that fear is what makes this book immensely important rather than just visually beautiful.
Book Review: An excellent book of photographs
Summary: 5 Stars
This book contains very little text beyond the introduction. It is a slim volume filled with excellently photographed pictures, in full color, and close up view of female gentalia.
The variety of colors, textures, and shapes of the women photographed are quite interesting
Details are very sharp and clear.
This is a book that would be enjoyed and appreciated by anyone who truly loves women, and finds everything about women fascinating.
No other aspect of the woman is pictured, and the women are not identified in any way.
In fact, the only reason this book did not get a 10 from me is because I would have liked to have a few details about each woman, such as ethnic heritage or nationality, age, marital status, and whether she had or had not given birth to children.