In human society, the phallus is considered a symbol of power and authority, and we're accustomed to thinking that this notion has a strong biological basis. Science journalist Emily Willingham, writing about mating rituals and animal penises, demonstrates that nature had very different plans for this organ, and it wasn't designed to bestow any advantages on its owners. Tracing the evolution of the penis, the author also discusses what we can do to strip the phallus of its symbolic connotations and end the belief that it controls men who are incapable of self-control. Willingham comes to a simple conclusion: the penis was created for love, not war, for intimacy, not domination. This engaging and informative book boldly addresses the most pressing issues of gender relations, while also being full of humor and irony.