'Objects of Desire' Examines Sex Toy Craftsmanship

'Objects of Desire' Examines Sex Toy Craftsmanship

ATGLEN, Penn. — Schiffer Publishing has announced the release of “Objects of Desire: A Showcase of Modern Erotic Products and the Creative Minds Behind Them,” written by Rita Catinella Orrell.

The book describes the industrial design, technological prowess, and craftsmanship of today's sex toys and pleasure products.

A spokesperson for Orrell said, “The world of erotic product design is revealed in this curated showcase of more than 100 beautifully crafted objects and the creative minds behind them. The latest adult toys, jewelry and accessories from leading companies, as well as intriguing prototypes, are featured.”

“Objects of Desire: A Showcase of Modern Erotic Products and the Creative Minds Behind Them” includes a foreword by Sarah Forbes, recent curator at New York City’s Museum of Sex, and in-depth interviews with leading sex bloggers, shop owners, and designers.

Orrell said, “The cheaply made, sometimes even toxic novelty products once relegated to shelves in seedy XXX shops now find themselves greatly outnumbered by sleek designs made from proven or still-emerging technologies — teledildonics, app-controlled devices, and 3D-printed designs, for example — created through the same R&D processes used for high-end consumer products. These high-tech pieces are accompanied by handcrafted objects in leather, wood, and precious metals and stones that are presented and marketed like pieces of fine art.”

The book was designed by Jason Scuderi. 

Orrell has been writing about product design for over 20 years. While products editor at Architectural Record Magazine, she contributed to many award-winning issues, including those in 2003 that earned it a National Magazine Award for general excellence.

Orrell, a native of Queens, N.Y., has an MA in creative writing from CUNY Queens College and curates two design blogs, DesignyThings.com and Architects-Toybox.com.

Schiffer Publishing, founded in 1974, is an independent book publisher based in Chester County, Penn. near Philadelphia.

Orrell, who now lives in New Jersey with her husband and two children, is available for interviews.

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