The Shepherd and the Nymph - Radical Sex Culture in the 80s - Featuring David Steinberg

What happens when two people reject the limitations of society and their own “sensible” inner voices, and choose to exult in their shared sexual energy, going wherever that energy takes them? That’s what celebrated erotic writer and sexual explorer Marco Vassi and Eve Diana decided to find out when they embarked on their passionate, adventurous relationship in 1986.

The Shepherd and the Nymph is the chronicle of that relationship, as recorded in the private letters between these two writers, as they express their shared fascination with sex as a compelling, fundamental aspect of what it means to be fully and unapologetically alive.

In this presentation, noted sex/gender writer, photographer, and publisher David Steinberg will talk about The Shepherd and the Nymph, about Marco Vassi’s writing and sexual vision, and about the radical sex culture of mid-80s New York, in which Vassi was a significant figure. The talk will include photos from that era, and readings of excerpts from the book.

It's a fascinating window into the this chapter of America's Sexual Revolution, when AIDS had not yet come into public consciousness and all things sexual were still seen as possible, intriguing, and magical. 

About David Steinberg

David Steinberg has been an advocate for change and social justice since 1966, starting as director of Civil Rights and Community Action Programming at the U.S. National Student Association.

Working on the issue of racism led David to believe that meaningful political and economic change would not be possible in the U.S. without challenging a broad spectrum of interlocking political and social institutions. In addition to racism, sexism, and materialism, David sees sexual repression as one of the main tools used by people in power to disempower others and to maintain the status quo.

David Steinberg has been writing about sex from this political perspective since 1980. For 15 years, he authored a monthly a column, Comes Naturally, discussing sex and gender issues. Since 1999 he has also been known for his fine art sexual photography. He was named a founding Master of Erotic Art by the Seattle Erotic Art Festival in 2011.  

Workshop format

David will be speak for approximately 45 minutes, to include slides and readings from The Shepherd and the Nymph.

When he's done, we'll open the "room" to questions and discussion. We're guessing that will last for another 45 minutes, but we're flexible and happy to run late if there's interest. 

Who should attend?

If you're a fan of David Steinberg based on his writing, or perhaps being a perennial Master of Erotic Art at the Seattle Erotic Art festival, you'll want to join us.

If you're interested in sexual culture and history, you'll want to join us.

If you're looking to kick off a reading of The Shepherd and the Nymph, you'll want to join us.

And if you want to support David and explore the intersections of social justice, personal freedom, and sexual liberation, you'll want to join us.

Getting Your Copy of The Shepard and the Nymph

Copies of The Shepherd and the Nymph have been available on David's website and on Amazon since its launch in March 2020.

The fastest way to get the paperback is via David's web site or by registering for the event.  You can also get a PDF copy directly from David's web site or by registering for the event.

Event attendees receive discounts on the paperback / PDF version of the book.

If you'd like the Kindle version, you can buy it directly from Amazon.

Buying the book is not a requirement for attending the workshop, but much of the discussion will refer to the book, so reading it beforehand is definitely encouraged.

Cancellation / refund policy

If you cancel your registration up to 2 hours before the event you will receive a full refund.

If we cancel the event you will receive a 100% refund, to include ticketing fees.