The Kama Sutra of Vatsyayana

The Kama Sutra of Vatsyayana

London: The Folio Society, 2018

Special Edition, Limited to 750 numbered copies and 20 lettered copies hors de commerce (not available in the general sale and only handed to those involved in the production of the title); this being Number 127. Sold out and rather scarce now.

"One of the world’s great literary legacies, this manual of virtuous living, courtship and pleasure affords an intimate glimpse into Hindu culture."

Translated from the Sanscrit by Sir Richard Burton and F.F. Arbuthnot. Type: Aria. Printed and bound by Kösel. Dark blue two-volume clamshell box lined on two sides with printed and blocked cloth. Front titled (as above) in gold. The two volumes that make up this handsome production are as follows:

[1] The Kama Sutra of Vatsyayana, translated from the Sanscrit by Sir Richard Burton and F.F. Arbuthnot, in seven parts, with preface, introduction, and concluding remarks, illustrated by Victo Ngai. 331 × 252 × 37 mm. Pp. [1–2], [i–iv] v–xxi [xxii], [1–4] 5–237 [238–240]. The title printed in red. Bound in dark blue cloth with a printed inset cloth label blocked in gold; dark yellow endleaves printed with designs in blue. The edition statement reads in part ‘limited to 750 copies and 20 lettered copies hors de commerce’. Ngai has provided eight colour illus trations tipped into decorative borders and further drawings in the text. The inconsistent use of spelling, grammar and punctuation is that of the translators.

Loosely inserted is a print with an additional colour illustration, signed by Victo Ngai, wrapped in protective paper secured by a sticker.

[2] The Kama Sutra of Vatsyayana, Essays by W.G. Archer, Hanif Kureishi, John Key. 331 × 249 × 11 mm. Pp. [1–6] 7–63 [64]. Bound in quarter dark blue cloth with dark yellow paper boards titled (as above) in blue; dark blue endleaves.

Condition

Fine books with pages tightly bound and free of inscriptions. Pristine. Print featuring Victo Ngai's illustration, signed to lower-right corner, is equally fine. All contained in a near-fine clamshell case with a heavy bump to rear corner (last photo) and lightest of shelf-wear.