Sex is a coffee table book written by American singer-songwriter Madonna, released on October 21, 1992 by Warner Books and Maverick. Featuring photography by Steven Meisel Studio and Fabien Baron, the book includes adult content, such as softcore pornography and simulated sexual acts like sadomasochism.
Background[]
The idea for the book came from Judith Regan of Simon & Schuster, who suggested Madonna create a collection of erotic photos. Madonna wrote the book as the character "Mistress Dita," inspired by 1930s film star Dita Parlo. Influenced by punk rock and fashion icons, the photos were taken in New York City and Miami in early 1992, featuring locations like hotels, burlesque theaters, and city streets. The book includes appearances by celebrities such as Isabella Rossellini, Big Daddy Kane, Vanilla Ice, Naomi Campbell, and others. The cover is made of aluminum, spiral-bound, and wrapped in a Mylar sheet.
Despite initial concerns about the book's commercial success, it was released on October 21, 1992, a day after Madonna's album Erotica. It sold over 150,000 copies on its first day in the U.S. and topped the New York Times Best Seller list for three weeks. Sex sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide in just a few days and remains one of the best-selling coffee table books and one of the most in-demand out-of-print publications.
The book sparked media attention and backlash, but Madonna stood by it. While initial reviews were negative, critics later praised it as a significant moment in her career, noting its social and cultural impact and calling it a bold post-feminist work.
Bonus CD[]
The book also included a CD single, which was enclosed in a separate Mylar sleeve designed to resemble a sealed condom. The CD features the song “Erotic,” an alternate version of the song "Erotica" with completely rewritten verses and a more bare musical arrangement.
Some of these changes were later included in the William Orbit 12" Mix of "Erotica," which can be found on the physical maxi-single and digital releases of the song.
Interview[]
How Madonna Turned Controversy Into a Best-Selling Book - rETro
'Madonna found a brand new spotlight in the literary world upon the release of her 1992 book Sex, in an especially controversial chapter of the pop star's career.'
Originally aired in 1993, this archived interview from Entertainment Tonight showcases Madonna’s unapologetic attitude towards the backlash against her Sex book.
In the interview, Madonna said: "I expected…everyone would say 'Oh, it's trash.' Of course, everyone when out and bought it—so I think that’s pretty much a reflection on our society, isn't it?"