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Decorated with exquisite Indian miniatures in colour, many of the most explicit sexual kind, the reputation of the Kama Sutra (Aphorisms on Love) has gained a reputation as a manual for the sexually adventurous. Yet prior to the 1960s this 3rd century Sanskrit text had been virtually unknown in the English speaking world and its circulation limited to a few privately published, under-the-counter editions. It was the chance discovery in the late 19th century by Sir Richard Burton (1821-1890) the British diplomat, explorer and orientalist that brought it to the West. The word Kama actually refers to sensual pleasure in general and is one of the four goals of life of Hinduism. The three others are religious duty and conduct, or Dharma, worldly status and spiritual liberation. It was not until the 15th century that various sexual positions began to be illustrated in miniature paintings and many of those accompanying the present text were produced in the studios of Rajasthan, strongly influenced by Mughal art. Burton's translation here appears in abridged form with the pros and cons of certain positions omitted together with Part Six which contained advice for the courtesan on getting rid of unwanted lovers. Here are embraces, union of males and females, of one's own wife, on the wives of other peoples and the arts of seduction, tonic medicines etc. It is all about love, pleasure and sensual gratification, and this edition pleases on every level. 160 large pages, gorgeous erotic colour illustrations, decorative borders and beautiful design. The binding is in pale cream silk satin with purple embossed and foiled title on the cover with paisley-style decoration. First time reduced by special arrangement direct with the publisher.