With a New Introduction by the Author

Mating in Captivitytakes a hard line against one of the most time-honored institutions in human history:the sexless marriage. . . . It reads like a cross between the works of Jacques Lacan andFrench Women Dont Get Fat.The New Yorker

A special twentieth-anniversary edition of the internationally bestselling and culturally groundbreaking book that cemented Esther Perel as the iconic relationship psychotherapist for today.

Is it any wonder that so many relationships crumble under the weight of it all?

In the twenty years sinceMating in Captivitywas published in 2006, it has become a global phenomenon, as has its author, Esther Perel. As a psychotherapist and thought leader, Perel is widely considered one of the worlds most original and respected voices on erotic intelligence. Drawing on decades of clinical experience,Mating in Captivityilluminates the complexities of sustaining desire in long-term relationships and shows how more playful, adventurous, and even poetic sex is possible. Wise, witty, and as revelatory as it is practical, Perels bold and provocative take on intimacy is ever more relevant today. In a new foreword, she reveals the personal origin story behind the book and reflects upon the many cultural shifts since its publication. This twentieth-anniversary edition invites us to reconsider the paradoxical union of domesticity and desireand offers a guide to bringing lust home.

Psychotherapist andNew York Timesbestselling authorEsther Perelis recognized as one of todays most insightful and original voices on modern relationships. Fluent in nine languages, she helms a therapy practice in New York City, serves as an organizational consultant for Fortune 500 companies around the world, and is an advisor to both Hinge and Culture Amp on the intricacies of modern relationships. Her celebrated TED Talks have garnered 50 million views, and her bestselling books,Mating in CaptivityandThe State of Affairs, are global phenomena translated into more than 30 languages. Perel is also the host of the hit podcastWhere Should We Begin?, which has captivated millions of listeners around the world for nearly a decade. Learn more about her live events, games, and other projects designed to improve your relationships atEstherPerel.com.

• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Publish Date: May 12, 2026
• Pages: 288
• Language: English
• Type: Paperback
• EAN/UPC: 9780063472341
• Dimensions: 8.0 X 5.3 X 0.0 inches | 0.45 pounds
• BISAC Categories: Health, Fitness & Diet, Psychology, Self-Help, Family & Parenting