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We always tend to think that the Kamasutra is none other than a compendium of sexual positions, more or less acrobatic, to be practiced in pairs. But are we sure we really know him?
Actually, the term Kamasutra refers to a Sanskrit text representing the oldest and the most important essay onars amatoria that India has handed down to us. “Aphorisms about love, by Vatsyayana”this is the original title of the work, it is in fact a text in verse and prose attributed to Vatsyayana and dating back to 500 AD
What does Kamasutra mean? The term comes from the union of Kama‘sexual love’, e Sutra, which instead means ‘rule, method’. According to Indian culture, the Kama would be, together with religious duty and the activities of practical life, one of the main values of existence.
According to this philosophy, in fact, the sexual pleasure it is a fundamental part of individual well-being, an essential component of life. Not surprisingly, making love is considered a kind of divine union.
In the original text the author speaks thus of the ethical principles underlying the relationshipwith the aim of showing women and men how behave in front of sexual desire in order to lead a satisfying love life.
Only a small part of the treaty, that is divided into 7 books and 36 chapters is therefore specifically dedicated toars amatoria and specifically at different amatory techniques.
How many sexual potions are described in the Kamasutra? It is about 64 positions and this for a very specific reason. The author identifies in fact 8 ways to make love and for each of these, 8 different positions. Men and women are also identified with different animal names, such as hares, bulls or horses, according to the intensity of their desire but also at size of their genitals.
If the original text is perhaps the least known, many different versions of the Kamasutra have been born over the years, some of which are enriched with illustrations showing the 64 sexual positions to be practiced as a couple.
Whether it’s rediscovering the original version or lget inspired by original re-interpretationswe tracked down 9 editions of the Kamasutra to collect or to give to your partner … to rekindle the passion as a couple. Here they are in the gallery below …
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The version faithful to the original
For those who want to discover a version of the Kamasutra faithful to the original, the one published by Adelphi is certainly the best known. Not the usual compendium on sexual potions but a real journey into the Indian culture of past centuries.
Price: € 15.20
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The Kamasutra illustrated
For those looking for an illustrated version, however, the right edition may be the one proposed by Demetra. Inside the volume, in fact, 50 illustrated cards dedicated to the most famous art of loving in the world. To discover all the nuances of pleasure through hugs, kisses and some of the most surprising erotic gestures.
Price: € 9.50
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The special version in English
A version of the Kamasutra faithful to the original but at the same time rich in illustrations is the one, among the most complete, published by Mittal Publishing. The edition reproduces the famous translation by Sir Richard Francis Burton, a famous British scholar, considered one of the best English versions of the famous Indian treatise. Also perfect as a gift.
Price: euro 49
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The manga version
For fans of comics and graphic novels, there is also the Kamasutra revisited in a manga key. This is the edition signed by the Banmikas studio, published by 001 Edizioni – Hikari.
Price: € 11.40
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The pop-up version
Yes, there is also this: the pop-up version of the most famous erotic literature text in the world. This collector’s edition, with texts taken from the original (available in Spanish), is in fact illustrated with 40 Indian color plates and enriched with interactive pop-up figures.
Price: euro 20 (Spanish edition)
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The bedside table version
The edition to keep on the bedside table? The one proposed by La Spiga: in pocket format and also enriched by an illustrative poster.
Price: € 13.50
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To listen to
Among the most original editions there is also the Kamasutra in an audiobook version to listen to. The great classic of Indian culture is narrated by an exceptional interpreter: the unforgettable actor Paolo Poli.
Price: € 17.95
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The version… of the author
Among the editions not to be missed is also the one, published by White Star and illustrated by the French designer Ionna Vautrin. The classic positions of the Kamasutra are here revisited through a series of unpublished drawings with an unmistakable style.
Price: € 9.39
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The… sporty version
Sex and fitness? A winning combination! This modern edition of the Kamasutra aims to illustrate 300 sexual positions to achieve maximum pleasure and in the meantime also work the muscles, obtaining a toned body. Inside, not only detailed illustrations and explanations (in English) but also tips to choose the best position based on your level of fitness level.
Price: 11.37 euros
Source: Vanity Fair
