A History of X

Luke Ford is the best-known source on the contemporary world of pornography the only journalist writing about the industry, yet not employed by the industry. It is this unique position that gives Ford the objectivity he needs to successfully complete a project such as this.

Bold and compelling, A History of X takes readers on a delicious romp through the back rooms and film studios of the fascinating array of characters who gave porn its start in the 1900s as a daring and risque attempt at sexual freedom, and explains how it transformed into the closed-door, multi-million-dollar corporate film machine that operates today.

Tracing the origins of pornography to novels written in the 1650s, Ford follows the progression of the genre, providing a close examination of the themes that still trigger male arousal today, and the films that celebrate them: adultery, lesbianism, bondage, and group sex to name just a few.

Relying on exclusive interviews with major players in the porn world as well as a wide array of printed sources, Ford details the controversial careers of such top stars a Linda Lovelace, Harry Reems,  Traci Lords, Max Hardcore, and Ginger Lynn, among others. Ford reveals the great benefits and tragic consequences that sometimes result from the fame— and infamy —associated with porn. Ford also boldly tracks the producers and distributors behind the movies, from the once secret Mafia influences to the false claims of victimization by some porn stars.

Extensively researched and documented, A History of X provides a fascinating exposé of a business few dare to touch.

Ford Luke. A History of X: 100 Years of Sex in Film. Amhert, N.Y.: Prometheus Books, 1/9/1999. Hardcover. 252 pp.