“Sex", Madonna's banned book, which broke every rule of hypocrisy
Image by Germán & CoJust Exceptional...
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Primary source "El Pais", translation, adaptation, and editing by Germán & Co. Karlstad, Sweden, July 12, 2023In a truly intriguing encounter that took place in 1991, a group of individuals hailing from various nations - an Englishman, an Italian, a Japanese, a Frenchman, and a Spaniard - found themselves gathered in a hotel room located in the bustling city of Frankfurt. Embarking on an adventure that might seem like the beginning of a witty anecdote, little did they know that this would mark the commencement of an extraordinary and unforgettable publishing endeavor, destined to leave an indelible mark on the literary landscape of recent times.
Bound by a confidentiality agreement, meticulously crafted to prevent the divulgence of its contents, these individuals voluntarily subjected themselves to an intensely stringent security protocol. The agreement necessitated undergoing thorough searches upon both entry and exit, ensuring a complete absence of cameras and any potential means of recording. Their mission? To meticulously survey a collection of striking photographs and captivating texts within the limited span of a solitary hour.
Amidst this clandestine rendezvous, one member of the esteemed publishing house, Ediciones B, assumed the role of informant. With a steadfast resolve, the Spaniard returned to the very venue occupied by her publishing company during the esteemed Frankfurt Book Fair. Determined to shed light on the enigmatic proceedings she had borne witness to, she divulged the nature of the captivating item that lay at the heart of this secret affair.
Bearing witness to the artistic prowess of none other than Steven Meisel, the renowned photographer credited with birthing the concept of supermodels during the iconic 1990s, the item in question housed a stunning anthology of explicit photographs showcasing the incomparable Madonna. This awe-inspiring collection belonged to a book, the creation of which was a collaboration between the illustrious musician and a scriptwriter, writer, and journalist extraordinaire by the name of Glenn O'Brien. It was through mutual connections, namely their encounters with the legendary Jean Michel Basquiat, that Madonna and Glenn O'Brien's collaborative journey commenced.
To elevate the stature of this publication, it was graced with the creative inputs of Fabien Baron, an esteemed designer renowned for his extraordinary talents in graphic design. Madonna, an iconic figure of the 1980s, made an indelible impression by skillfully blending pop music, religious themes, and subsequently, exploring sexuality in her immensely successful hit "Justify My Love." Fueling her fearless spirit, she fearlessly unleashed the boundary-pushing masterpiece "Sex" in 1992.
The featured poster highlights the 'Erotica' album, which has been exclusively crafted for the Japanese audience.In a detailed account provided by Sureda, it becomes clear that Madonna's team had specific design requirements for the book. The layout had to be faithfully followed, including using the same font and maintaining the original text's placement. However, some pages, particularly those with Madonna's handwritten notes and crossed-out sections, were forbidden from being translated. These pages would only appear in the Spanish edition's final epilogue. To further enhance the book's allure, it was published with a metal spiral-bound cover and a metal back cover, and it was packaged in cellophane, keeping its contents hidden until purchased and opened. Remarkably, despite the risks involved, Ediciones B boldly invested in the book back in 1992, a year in which they had already achieved significant success with notable titles like the sequel to "Gone with the Wind," 'Scarlett,' the Nobel Prize-winning work by Nadine Gordimer, and the groundbreaking end-of-century novel, 'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis.
During a time when the internet was not yet prevalent, the book managed to generate tremendous excitement. Today, it's worth exploring why it was deemed so taboo. Perhaps it was because society was still relatively naive back then. Mark Snyder, a writer and public relations professional in New York, recalls his experience as a 16-year-old in 1992. He vividly remembers the book being wrapped in cellophane and sealed, only accessible through special shelves that required assistance from bookstore staff. For Mark, who saved up his birthday money and asked an older friend to purchase it on his behalf, the $50 price tag was a significant investment. The high demand for the book quickly led to it being sold out within weeks of its October release, leaving eager buyers unable to purchase it during the holiday season. Presently, Snyder and his friend Kenny Finkle (50), an author and drama professor at Marymount Manhattan College, run a podcast named 'All I Wanna Do Is Talk About Madonna'. In this podcast, they analyse and discuss Madonna's discography song by song.
Sarah Lee, a Madonna look-alike, posed with a copy of 'Sex' at a launch party in London. Photo: NEIL MUNNS
Madonna, with cleavage and a stuffed sheep, looked like a German shepherdess in an erotic version at the launch party for 'Sex' in New York, October 1992. Photo: ALLAN TANNENBAUMReality often fails to live up to the imagination, and one's fantasies about forbidden books remain unmatched. According to rumors, Madonna had engaged in sexual activities with dogs within the book. However, upon investigation, it is revealed that the images merely depict a dog alongside nude individuals. The book showcases photographs of Madonna in a state of undress, frequently capturing her reflection in a mirror or portraying her being restrained by both men and women. It also explores simulated acts such as black kissing and showcases Madonna engaging in affectionate moments with celebrities including Naomi Campbell, Isabella Rossellini, and Vanilla Ice, her former boyfriend. Remarkably, the book embraces diversity by including representations of various races, genders, and sexual orientations. Within the written content, Madonna, adopting the pseudonym Dita in homage to German actress Dita Parlo, delves into a discussion about the female body. She states, "I adore my cat, for it encompasses the entirety of my existence. It serves as the breeding ground for both my most agonizing experiences and my most unimaginable pleasures. My “cunt” is an everlasting source of enlightenment.”
A discussion on the topic of consent…
Snyder said, "Madonna was well aware that her images catered to sexual fantasies, but she did not aim to create any pornographic content." "I believe the book effectively addresses the concept of consent. In this regard, the book extends beyond sexual activities by emphasizing that any activity based on mutual consent is likely to be a satisfying experience, which, as a result, promotes trust and freedom." Sureda explicitly states that he did not edit a book containing pornographic content. Despite its reputation, this is primarily an artistic book. The images show consensual sex, gazes, play, and nudity, all within a design and concept of erotic daydreams. During her promotion in 1992, Spain had the highest number of new AIDS cases: "I believe sex is still possible if done carefully, and masturbation is the safest form of sexual activity." That's the reason why it features frequently in my book. It is a collection of erotic fantasies rather than a guide encouraging promiscuity.
The promotion was successful. According to Sureda, multiple bookshops in Barcelona and Madrid opened the night before the book's release. "I recall seeing a queue of twenty people at the Virgin Megastore on Gran Vía in Barcelona." This achievement is notable considering that the book was priced at 7,500 pesetas. The cost was 50 euros according to the exchange rate; however, considering inflation, it would currently amount to almost 140 euros. The cost was set globally, with minor variations. In the US, it was priced at 50 dollars; in France, it was 36 euros; in Germany, it was 42 euros. To promote the book, Madonna gave television interviews at the Michelangelo Hotel in Milan, where she spoke with several European channels. The interview she gave for Spain would go down in history.
Where does Madonna put her thermometer when she has a fever?
"Who didn't like Madonna? She was Madonna!" exclaims Millán Salcedo on the other end of the phone. On Monday 5th October 1992, he was in Milan with Josema Yuste, his partner in the comedy duo Martes y 13, and a delegation from Radio Television Española (RTVE) to interview Madonna. It was to be the highlight of their new weekly show, "Seeing us". "A woman from our team watched the interviews and kept us updated while we waited our turn. At the start of the first interview, she came down in a frenzy and said, 'He's just punched the interviewer! Don't ask him about sex or Antonio Banderas!' And I'm like, 'Don't ask him about sex?' And I think, 'Don't ask him about sex when he's promoting sex? That's what we're here for.
Madonna converses with designer Jean-Paul Gaultier while on a promotional visit to Paris for her album 'Erotica' and book 'Sex' in October 1992. Photograph: YVES SIEUR (AFP)As per her recollection, Madonna appeared to be angry because she had barely slept. "Thank goodness I was out of the role then since Josema [Yuste] passed," Salcedo continues. "He looked at me and made me understand that it wasn't working," Salcedo explains further. After asking a few questions that Madonna answered vaguely, Millán scattered popcorn throughout the room, barked like a dog, and, in the most remarkable moment of the interview, he brought out a pair of huge panties, placed them on Madonna's head, and then jumped onto her sofa - despite it being forbidden according to the singer's requests - and started mimicking a dog by humping her. "I can't believe I'm being harassed!" she laughed. Salcedo remembers how she was probably the first person ever in the country, and from that moment on, she became charming. "Amazing! She transformed from being edgy to an incredibly beautiful being with big blue eyes that are beyond imagination. The entire incident took only four minutes. During the interview, she was asked, "Where does Madonna place her thermometer when she has a fever?" Referring to the title of one of Erotica's songs and a sketch by the Feber toy duo, the performance could be even better. Millán had intended to perform a reading of a couple of erotic poems, imitating Gloria Fuertes, while holding a fake copy of 'Sex'. However, the performance did not take place due to last-minute tension. Despite the setbacks, the performance still carries a Dadaist essence: two Spanish comedians presenting an incomprehensible act to an international star who mutters, "I think I'm having a nightmare" in bewilderment. Nevertheless, the interviewer seems to have pleased her by not bowing down to her fame, even gifting her a pair of panties and simulating intercourse with her.
We did it all with Spain in mind because the program was going to be aired here. However, she did not understand Spanish, we did not understand English, and the simultaneous translator did not understand either of us. Salcedo has not seen the interview again. He loathes it. He does recall, "When the cameras stopped rolling, while we were leaving, she kissed us, revealing her human side. I kissed her, gazed into her eyes, and declared, 'Madonna, I love you'. She gazed at me, appearing disarmed and fragile, and responded: Thank you.
Power in the context of sexuality, personal life, and politics
Mark Snyder and Kenny Finkle answer Madonna-related questions promptly and passionately, as they do on their podcast. Mark Snyder concedes that Madonna's Erotica era is among the most fascinating of her profession. Kenny Finkle adds that after the Blonde Ambition Tour, Madonna recognized her potential to go even further and address uncomfortable topics, having overcome several obstacles during the tour. Continuing his point, "This moment's wonder lies in the fact that a woman in her thirties realized she was at the peak of her beauty and power and utilized it to her advantage." Over the ensuing years, she remained beautiful, yet not merely in her physical appearance. In 1992, her body was of great significance, and Sex commemorates youth, pristine beauty, and the ultimate power - both personal and political - that stems from it." Mark concludes, stating, "The present generations are much more harmonious with this message." Additionally, Kenny claims, "That is the actual heritage of this book." The sexual freedom of today's generation is a legacy of "Sex".
Madonna paid a heavy price for her boldness. Although "Sex" sold 800,000 copies, Madonna's album "Erotica" received mixed reviews and was considered a minor flop by her standards. According to Finkle, Madonna covered up and avoided discussing this era on her next album. When she did, she displayed a particular fear. In the following years, Madonna became more restrained and kept quiet. Subsequently, Madonna appeared in musicals, adopted a spiritual persona, embraced cowboy culture, and became a disco diva.
Madonna appears in a scene from the 'Erotica' music video, which was released in the autumn of 1992. Image courtesy of the Everett Collection.Three decades later…
"Erotica" is considered one of Madonna's boldest and most innovative albums, featuring a somber sound and audacious lyrics that deal with themes of love, AIDS, and grief. In addition, "Sex" has become a cult object that has never been reissued and is traded on the second-hand market for prices as high as 700 euros. According to Sureda, it was a strategic decision. "It was a visionary product that inspired the trend of limited editions, which are now ubiquitous in the worlds of publishing and fashion," said Sureda. Furthermore, according to Kenny, "the limited number of copies produced and the absence of any subsequent editions significantly enhance its perceived value and contribute to the mystique surrounding that period."
Recently, Madonna has revisited the topic of "Sex," as evidenced by her Instagram account. Furthermore, she continuously discusses sex and displays nudity on Instagram. The wild blonde showcases her naked body on Instagram, talks about sex persistently, and does not dress according to her age. By doing so, she manages to elicit the same response as she did thirty years ago when she was younger. Kenny explains that as she did in 1992, Madonna continues to pave the way for upcoming female stars who aim for long-lasting careers and do not want to compromise their identity. Mark elaborates that Madonna considers it essential to incorporate all her prior versions into her current identity. "Why do women encounter resistance when they live, indulge in sexuality, and exult without inhibition?" In that regard, Madonna has much work to undertake.
Image: Germán & Co