The Illustrated Kama Sutra : Ananga-Ranga and Perfumed Garden - The Classic Eastern Love Texts Paperback – August 1, 1991

We love this book.

A very enlightening book. Why do we have so many hangups when it comes to sex, in this country (US)? This book will help anyone overcome those hangups and so much more!

this book is only around 155 pages but it does have alot of classic ancient photos it covers everything from marriage to the female organs. very insightful interesting book.

Be aware that these are NOT the full versions of these texts - they have been abridged (the main reason for my personal choice of star rating). That being said, if you wish to gain knowledge of the texts without having to go through the entire texts, this is a good start. Burton and Arbuthnot are the go-to authors for the translation in English - I recommend their other works as well. Note that the artwork is NOT contemporary to the original texts. As some people noted, if you want to use this as a how-to sex guide for positions only, this will not serve you. I recommend that you read this anyway for reasons elaborated below. Actually, much of the art is not MEANT to be imitated as (according to a professor of visual rhetoric that taught this text), the vertical presentation conveys to concepts more effectively in solid media (wood, stone, and some paint) than if it were horizontal. Consider how the eye would have to take in horizontal representations on the temples. It is not that it isn't done, but it is more effective vertically, it seems. I also feel that there is a bit of artistic license and fantasy in some of the images which is fun in its own right if that is kept in mind. Aside from this, it is recommended that this be read this anyway as it offers wisdom in incorporating a healthy and balanced sex life in your overall existence - something that we in the West lack awareness of, sadly. It also offers advice for things to be aware of and sensitive to in your partner. The Perfumed Garden is a bit different in that respect as it is from a different culture (Islam) which is not so sensitive to the feminine aspect, but as a historical text, it is interesting as a way of tracing the history of the development of gender perspective. Also be aware that the Ananga-Ranga was written based on the Kama Sutra, so it is a bit repetitive, but of value if you wish to see the changes in perspective over the centuries and the value of what was kept. Again, it is a good start for someone wishing to learn the concepts behind these texts, but not if you wish to know all of the details.

I'm sure this will be a fine book once I get more involved with it. I bought it as a reference book but have been preoccupied with a few other books I bought so have not given it the time it deserves.

If you are interested in Kama Sutra, Ananga Ranga or The Perfumed Garden or are not sure which you would like to study, this book is a great starting point. Although all the works are very similiar, this allows you a synopsis of each text and is helpful in determing which or all that you wish to persue further. The illustrations are beautifully done. Not for in-depth reading or review, but more an icebreaker.

This isn't what I thought it would be.

Interesting from a historical perspective and does give a good explanation of the philosophy.