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This work features a unique collection of data concerning many aspects of ticklishness in humans, with an emphasis on women. Among the multiple topics addressed are a variety of physiological and social situations, referencing ages, ethnicities, nationalities, moods, whether or not the subjects are sexually active, and the role that tickling plays in society. The book also raises some “ticklish” questions. For example, is it permissible for younger male relatives to tickle their sisters? Is tickling considered part of sexual play? Is it considered friendly or annoying? Is it permissible for a female to discourage the practice if she doesn't want it? What situations make the subjects more or less ticklish, and on which parts of their bodies? Charts illustrate the empirical data, and the author asserts that he and the other researchers know that the subject is eccentric but that they are not "crazy."
The book’s categories are written and charted clearly. The text includes quotations from some of the participants who explain additional details, including situations that influence their sensitivity or lack of it to ticklishness, who tickles or has tickled them, who they expect to tickle them or remember being tickled by, and some of the memories that those experiences evoke in them. Overall, this study of an apparently universal human condition is fun to read. One interesting conclusion the book makes is that tickling is usually an act of caring, friendship, part of a close relationship, and/or an act of love that is intended to relax people, reassure them, and make them happy. The author focuses on the positive aspects of tickling, and the reader will likely smile and perhaps feel vicarious tickling sensations, as well.