3 Review(s)

Treating pleasure as an art, Kama Sutra is a handbook covering every aspect of love and relationships, and was, for centuries, considered an essential part of the well-rounded education of a young, urbane gentleman. Its seven sections are devoted to social life, courtship and marriage, extramarital relations, the conduct of courtesans and prescriptions for enhancing attractiveness, as well as systemic, detailed instruction on sexual techniques. This new edition of Kama Sutra dispels the well-worn image of an erotic Oriental curiosity, highlighting the work's historical importance as a sophisticated guide to living well. Conveying all the original flavour and feel of this elegant, intimate and hugely enjoyable work, this clear, accurate translation is a masterpiece of pithy description and a wry account of human desires and foibles. About the Author Vatsyayana lived in India nearly 2000 years ago; nothing is known about him except that he authored Kama Sutra. THE TRANSLATOR A. N. D. Haksar is a well-known translator of Sanskrit classics. Educated at the universities of Allahabad and Oxford, he has also had a career as a diplomat, serving as the Indian high commissioner to Kenya and the Seychelles, minister to the United States, and ambassador to Portugal and Yugoslavia.