A REVIEW OF THE BIG PENIS BOOK BY DIAN HANSON

You don’t have to worry about what the adjective “big” is modifying in The Big Penis Book. True to its name, Dian Hanson’s massive hardcover is a spectacularly oversized celebration of the generously endowed male form—quite literally.

Measuring an imposing twelve inches square and weighing over seven pounds, it’s the kind of hefty, glossy-paged volume that’s destined for center stage on a well-fortified coffee table. This is, of course, assuming you have the space for it and an appreciation for penises. Big penises. Really big penises.

Inside, page after page, the reader is treated to hundreds of photographs of men whose endowments range from impressively large to downright gargantuan—some so colossal they seem almost mythical. Building on her success with The Big Book of Breasts, Hanson compiles another visually stunning tome that is far more than a simple novelty item. While the text is minimal and mostly consists of interviews with photographers who documented these models between the 1960s and 1990s, the vivid images take center stage, offering a rare historical perspective on male sexuality.

Hanson’s introduction sets the tone by acknowledging the undeniable allure of a well-hung male.

She invokes evolution and aesthetics to explain why human beings find large penises so compelling, crediting our innate curiosity and the shape of our own species. As she puts it, “Flaccid or erect, it is aesthetically stunning—commanding every onlooker to consider capacity and consequence.” Her approach is sex-positive and refreshingly lighthearted. Instead of pressuring the reader with unrealistic expectations, she encourages us to cast aside any anxieties about size and simply enjoy the spectacle.

To illustrate the rarity of such well-endowed men, Hanson references Alfred Kinsey’s mid-20th century research, which found no participants exceeding nine inches. This book, however, confidently shows what exists beyond Kinsey’s data, leaving little doubt that nature has room for outliers. The interviews, sourced from photographers rather than the models themselves (many of whom have passed away, moved on, or prefer privacy), reveal a surprisingly tender side to this industry. Some photographers speak fondly of their models as lost lovers or young men who overcame difficult childhoods. Their recollections humanize these legendary figures, reminding us that these images—sensational as they may be—come from real people with real stories.

It’s not all glamour and easy living for the men in these photos. Some wished for smaller endowments, feeling pigeonholed by admirers who saw them only for their size, or lamenting the practical limitations their body bestowed. These admissions are oddly comforting, reminding us that no one’s life is perfect and that the grass—no matter how green—always has its complications. Hanson encourages readers to let go of insecurities and enjoy the show, likening these oversized genitalia to a form of entertainment, “like a good game of baseball.”

And what a show it is. The styling ranges from leather caps and boots to cowboy hats and whimsical props—some viewers will find these touches campy fun, while others may roll their eyes at the over-the-top theatrics.

Still, the undeniable charm of these men, often smiling as if in on the world’s most playful secret, makes the overall atmosphere endearing. The visual variety is astonishing: penises differ in shape, curve, texture, and circumcision status. Seeing so many variations side by side is a rare opportunity to appreciate the diversity of the male anatomy, and the book encourages a certain joyful acceptance of our differences.

The collection’s strength lies not only in its extensive selection of historic photographs—over 400 images spanning decades of liberated, avant-garde sexuality—but also in its thoughtful contextualization. Readers are invited to explore cultural perceptions of masculinity and size through the lens of pivotal moments in sexual history. The ‘70s, with its sexual revolution and newfound freedoms in photography, take center stage, revealing an era when male nudity and sensuality finally stepped into the open. The personal insights from iconic photographers and interviews with legendary studios such as AMG, Colt, and Falcon give readers a rare behind-the-scenes perspective, offering more than just images—it’s a genuine journey into the aesthetics, industry, and evolving attitudes toward the male form.

Far from being a superficial gallery, The Big Penis Book prompts us to consider the timeless human fascination with physical attributes and the way they’ve been portrayed, commodified, and revered over time. The pages come alive with more than just big sizes; they vibrate with individuality, personality, and the aura of a bygone sexual era. In the end, The Big Penis Book is more than just a conversation starter or a cheeky coffee-table curiosity—it’s a celebration of human variety, sexual openness, and body positivity. These images, lovingly preserved and lavishly presented, carry an air of cheerfulness and optimism, reminding us that sexuality can be fun, exuberant, and even a little silly. By the last page, it’s clear: this is a big book with even bigger spirit. Enjoy it without guilt, anxiety, or shame, and let these images serve as a reminder that fascination, humor, and pleasure have always belonged together.