In human society, the phallus is considered a symbol of power and authority, and we’ve grown used to thinking that this belief has a solid biological foundation. Science journalist Emily Willingham, discussing mating rituals and animal penises, shows that nature had very different plans for this organ, and that it wasn’t created to give its owners any advantages. Tracing the evolution of the penis, the author also reflects on what we can do to strip the phallus of its symbolic weight and put an end to the conviction that it is the penis that controls a man—who, in fact, is unable to control himself. Willingham comes to a simple conclusion: the penis was created for love, not war; for closeness, not suppression. This engaging and educational work courageously tackles the most sensitive questions of gender relations, and at the same time it is full of humor and irony.