Kama Sutra: (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) - Softcover

Vatsyayana

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0143106597 ISBN 13: 9780143106593

Publisher: Penguin Classics, 2012

Synopsis

A gorgeous deluxe edition of the world's most celebrated guide to life, love, relationships and pleasure

Little is known about Vatsyayana, who is reputed to have composed the Kama Sutra "while observing a celibate's life in full meditation." In Sanskrit the word "kama" means desire, especially for sensual pleasure, and its proper pursuit was considered an essential part of a young, urbane gentleman's well-rounded education.

Untold numbers of readers are curious about the Kama Sutra but put off by its clichéd image as an erotic Oriental curiosity. This elegant edition offers a compelling modern translation of a classic Indian masterpiece-and a wry and entertaining account of human desire and foibles.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

About this title

About the Author

Vatsyayana's given name was Mallanaga and he was most likely from the Madhya Desha, once India's cultural heartland. He lives sometime between the first and third centuries.

A.N.D. Haksar is a well-known translator of Sanskrit classics, many of which have been published by Penguin Classics.

Malika Favre is a French graphic designer and illustrator based in London.

From the Back Cover

A gorgeous deluxe edition of the world's most celebrated guide to life, love, relationships and pleasure



Little is known about Vatsyayana, who is reputed to have composed the Kama Sutra "while observing a celibate's life in full meditation." In Sanskrit the word "kama" means desire, especially for sensual pleasure, and its proper pursuit was considered an essential part of a young, urbane gentleman's well-rounded education.



Untold numbers of readers are curious about the Kama Sutra but put off by its clichéd image as an erotic Oriental curiosity. This elegant edition offers a compelling modern translation of a classic Indian masterpiece-and a wry and entertaining account of human desire and foibles.



For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

Edition details

• Publisher: Penguin Classics
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0143106597
• ISBN 13: 9780143106593
• Binding: Paperback
• Illustrator: Favre Malika
• Number of pages: 240