The Joy of Sex - Abridged

Dr Alex Comfort, M.B., D.Sc., was a leading expert on human sexuality and one of the most versatile authors of the 20th century. A pioneer in the study of old age, co-founder of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, anarchist, social commentator, novelist, and poet, he wrote over 50 books and countless scientific papers. Dr Comfort also worked as head of research on gerontology at University College London, a lecturer at the Department of Psychiatry at Stanford University, and Adjunct Professor at the Neuropsychiatric Institute at the University of California at Los Angeles. A member of the Royal Society of Medicine and an Associate Member of the American Psychiatric Association, he died in March 2000, aged 80.

Susan Quilliam is a relationships expert with over 35 years' experience in offering support through her work as a writer, coach, trainer, consultant and commentator.

She once said in passing that the high point of her work would be to rewrite "The Joy of Sex" for the 21st century, and therefore felt beyond privileged when, in 2008, Mitchell Beazley asked her to do just that!

Susan works closely with Relate and the Family Planning Association, as well as sitting on the Advisory Board of the Sexual Advice Association and the Council for Sexuality and Sexual Health for the Royal Society of Medicine. She is also one of the Family Planning Association's designated 21st Century Achievers, UK Dating Expert of the year 2015, an Ambassador for Relate Cambridge and a Patron of the Outsiders charity which campaigns for sexual rights for the less-abled.

When not writing books, Susan coaches individuals and couples on relationships and sexuality, designs and presents relationship courses for the global organisation The School of Life, is advice columnist for Fabulous magazine, and broadcasts on radio and television.