The Complete Kama Sutra: The First Unabridged Modern Translation of the Classic Indian Text Paperback – Unabridged, December 1, 1993

This is an outstanding new translation of the Indian classic, dating from the fourth century BC. It is widely misunderstood in the west, largely by people who never read it, but also by people who only read Burton's unfortunate Victorian translation. Well over 500 pages, this may seem intimidating - I promise you, it's worth your effort.This includes Vatsyayana's complete text, not just the extracts that Burton chose. Danielou interleaves it with not one, but two different commentaries, one traditional and one modern. These add insight, not just to the Vatsyayana text itself, but also to how later ages of India view this classic.The Kama Sutra describes the culture in which it arose. At least for the upper classes, it's a remarkable image. Although male-dominated, women had surprising autonomy. Many services - jewelers, perfumers, and the like - create the objects and gifts of a rich society. Even prostitutes have a more or less respectable place in that world - more like geishas, entertainers with wide repertoires, not just vessels for sexual release.This book is surprisingly clinical in its outlook. Vatsyayana describes a range of sexual practices. Some, he notes, are not widely considered proper - but all things have their time and place, if that's what the practitioners want. Describing a practice does not imply approval of it; in that vein, he mentions seductions and even capture of a woman by force. Prostitutes, too, have a code of behavior. Although they may develop feelings for a customer, their work is their business and their livelihood. This justifies, even demands behavior that would not be proper for a partner of another kind.The largest part of the book is more mundane. It sets out a plan for being a happy, healthy member of society: the skills needed, grooming, social behaviors, and lots more. Despite repressive eras that followed (down to our own), the appeal of this document persists. Today's readers, nearly 2500 years later, can still learn from it, about that ancient time but also about our own.//wiredweird

There are two types of people in this world. There are people who have heard of the Kama Sutra and people who have actually read it. It goes without saying that there are far more of the former in this world than the latter. Finding an electronic edition of such an ancient work that, by all reasonable standards, stands the test of time, easily warrants giving it five stars, especially since the translation quality of the text is of the highest order. Although I can understand why there are those who may not have the highest opinion of this edition because of the quality of the illustrations, I believe that regardless of their quality, because the text is all there, it impels the reader to work to understand what they are reading. Also, because this is an electronic edition, one would not need to worry about whatever physical defects might accompany a paperback or hardcover edition. In short, I highly recommend this book.

This is a great book! People often assume Kama Sutra is a dirty book that's full of sex positions. It does have a good bit of that. But it treats sex almost like a ritual rather than just a quick fix that means nothing no anyone. It has all these "instructions" that teach you everything from flirting, to foreplay, to the final act itself. Yes, it does talk of various techniques and toys and all. Very boldly. Bits of it made me raise my eyebrow("how to seduce another's wife"/"relationships with concubines") but they amused me more than they offended me. It's the perfect book on sex.You have to understand that according to Hindu scriptures, sex is one of the four main parts of life and thus, must be treated accordingly. We need to admit its importance instead of treating it as taboo. I think people should read Kama Sutra in order to gain a better understanding of the importance of sex. It's necessary to learn to respect physical intimacy and this book gives it the attention it deserves.I don't know about the translation; this is the only translation I've read and it was perfectly adequate.I bought one for a close friend for her birthday and I plan on having my siblings read it when they're older as well.