Plays Well in Groups provides a historical and cultural history of group sex throughout the ages. From depictions in Paleolithic cave art to the Playboy mansion, Katherine Frank delves into the fields of sociology, biology, anthropology, and psychology to provide explanations for both, participation in group sex and the complex reactions to it—from fascination to fear. This book draws on survey research, ethnographic observation around the world, and interviews with participants to offer a cross-cultural look at the manifestations and meanings of group sex; who has it, and why. Group sex is by definition non-monogamous, although not all kinds of non-monogamy involve group sex. Having sex willingly in the presence of observers, or with multiple participants, crosses a line of social propriety in many societies. Links between ritual sex and spirituality have been found throughout history, and words like “bliss,” “passion,” and “ecstasy” can describe both spiritual and sexual highs. Although anthropologists have identified very few, if any, truly universal taboos, taboos, such as public displays of sexual behavior and multiple, consecutive partners, are still widespread. Frank aims to bring forth some general explanations for these taboos that are present in local and specific explorations of human activity.

"It's fair to say that anyone reading her extensive examination of stories from classical times, tribal rites, wartime rapes, bachelor parties, the Playboy Mansion, virtual worlds, group sex clubs, and more, is going to learn a thing or two. The big lesson from all the facets of Frank's study . . . is that group sex is always transgressive. . . . That she has found so many aspects of her subject surely indicates that group sex is a big deal and worthy of serious academic attention; that many of the aspects are liable to exaggeration and sensationalism only further indicates the pull of the topic. . . . Frank's wide-ranging book takes in a lot of territory. . . . There's a great deal of research here with case studies and interviews, but there is also good humor and a healthy sense of wonder at how diverse and funny our species is." - The Dispatch (Lexington, NC)

"The author has tackled a multitude of taboos to help readers understand group sex, who has it, why they have it, and how it has solved over the years. Her use of sociology, biology, anthropology and psychology explain many fears, wonders, and worries behind group sex. Surveys, research, and interviews all add to Frank's truly interesting read. Regardless of whether you've had even the slightest interest in anything involving group sex, Plays Well in Groups will surely provoke thought and understanding of a world many of us will never step foot in." - Curve

"Plays Well in Groups: A Journey through the World of Group Sex by Katherine Frank is an excellently researched collection of narratives—histories, current events, media studies, ethnographic works, and participant interviews—analyzed through a sex-positive and unifying anthropological lens. Frank’s task is drawing parallels between different forms and practices of group sex in general, while exploring deeper social, political, economic, and historical contexts in order to contrast them. Much of the book is about who has group sex and why, as well as who fears group sex and why. An overarching theme of the book is thus one that appealed to my interests: an emphasis on sexual taboo and transgression. . . . If you’re interested in an anthropological survey of group sex across geographies, times, and fields of study, be sure to pick up Plays Well in Groups. The wide variety of topics and perspectives that are discussed in this book make it a perfect reading material for any undergraduate social science course on sexual behavior and politics or even gender studies." - Savage Minds