Erotica: An Illustrated Anthology of Sexual Art and Literature

"Erotica: An Illustrated Anthology of Sexual Art & Literature," Charlotte Hill & Wm. Wallace, NY, Carroll & Graf, 1992, ISBN: 0-88184-874-3, PC, 160 pgs., Intro. 4 pg. & Ref. 2 pg., 10 5/8" x 8 7/8". Two authors provide a colorful collection of erotic illustrations "excluding pernicious, degrading or violent material" together with erotic literature from "fiction, poetry, drama, songs, letters & journals" covering an expanse of 2,000 yrs,, purporting appeal to both sexes, emphasis on "life-enhancing qualities of good erotica." "Erotica" has Introduction to its origin (deriv. Gk. Eros, god of love) in both Eastern & Western cultures, its pirating, rendering, expurgation but inherent reluctance of many library repositories to make their erotic cache available for research, review, etc. "Erotica" literary review includes excerpts from Kama Sutra, My Life & Loves, Satyra Sotadica, Decameron, Story of O, Tropic of Cancer, etc. Overall, the textual & illustrative contents share equally in annotation of sexuality. The 176 illutrations include depiction of art objects, carvings, pencil sketches, cartoons, oil & watercolor paintings & charcoal drawings, but not erotic photography. Authors' disclaimer states "Women-haters and those addicted to cruelty and violence must look elsewhere - there is nothing in this book for you." The many illustrations vary from amusing, sordid, candid, wollgathering & for some a phatasmagoria of abject vs. dignified realism that the reader must judge for himself those he finds exciting, enjoyable, banal but otherwise entertaining or titillating. Obviously, much research went into the production of this anthology, a book for your library shelf & not yet ready for the coffee table.

This is a sexy, lighthearted book with pictures and writing that ranges from gorgeous to goofy.A fun book for couples as well as to look over alone or with a friend.A lot of the pictures appear in other erotic anthologies, but the presentation here is worth the buy.

Today, moreso than ever literature fine works of art never change .... a book, once written can easily become timed, but the works of art of the ages become more valuable with age and allows us an insight into the many hidden treasures of the past. The erotic art contained in this illustrated anthology shows works over a span of 2000 years from all on the continents and many many cultures. From painings, etchings, drawings, snuff boxes, carvings, mouldings etc etc this book is exquisitely compiled and a pleasure to read and enjoy. If you have ever enjoyed wandering into chinatown in San Francisco to see the wide selection of erotic ivory carvings being offered then definitely you will just devour this book which also includes some fine examples of these carvings. Most erotic literature published as little as ten years ago always included some of the drawings and etchings to illustrate the stories. Todays books however are devoid of these little pleasures which makes this illustrated anthology that much more important. If you have any appreciation for fine art and erotica then buy this book it's a treasure to be enjoyed over the years.