Book Description
The season's most talked-about all-purpose personal strategy guide and philosophical compendium," said Newsweek of Robert Greene's bold, elegant, and ingenious manual of modern manipulation, The 48 Laws of Power. Now Greene has once again mined history and literature to distill the essence of seduction, the most highly refined mode of influence, the ultimate power trip.
The Art of Seduction is a masterful synthesis of the work of thinkers such as Freud, Ovid, Kierkegaard, and Einstein, as well as the achievements of the greatest seducers throughout history. From Cleopatra to John F. Kennedy, from Andy Warhol to Josephine Bonaparte, The Art of Seduction gets to the heart of the character of the seducer and his or her tactics, triumphs and failures. The seducer's many faces include: the Siren, the Rake, the Ideal Lover, the Dandy, the Natural, the Coquette, the Charmer, and the Charismatic. Twenty-four maneuvers will guide readers through the seduction process, providing cunning, amoral instructions for and analysis of this fascinating, all-pervasive form of power. Just as beautifully packaged and every bit as essential as The 48 Laws of Power, The Art of Seduction is an indispensable primer of persuasion and offers the best lessons on how to take what you want from whomever you want or how to prevent yourself from being taken.
Customer Reviews:
A Must Read.......2007-09-23
This is a must read book if you want to understand seduction, control, influence etc. This is by far the best written book on the subject. But, its 800 pages long, so prepare to read a long story that demonstrates the seduction technique and then explains the hows and whys.
Very interesting..........2007-09-18
Good one. It provide you with a lot of good facts, so you can make good opinions about what's going on.
But for dating "starters" I recommend any easier book. That one can make you bored very soon.
Good book but not for marketers or married people.......2007-09-14
PROS: This book is written in the same style just like all the others, lots of historical examples. I purchased the audio book and the reading voice is excellent, one of the best voices I have heard for an audio book. I am a huge fan of Robert Greene and like all the other books,(48 laws of power, 33 strategies of war).
CONS: Not for marketers or married people. I thought this book was about how to seduce prospects into buying your product - I was wrong. This book is really for single people and has various historical lessons on how to seduce the opposite/same sex. There is a part in the book about children which I found weird and quite frankly a little disturbing. As a professional marketer and married man, I only found small parts of this book useful. This book is my least favorite of the three by Robert Greene. I hope this review helps.
Caine
It's kinda evil..and mostly full of stories.......2007-09-13
The book discusses ways on how to manipulate and emotionally torture a victim into believing they need you or want you. It's kinda evil. On top of that, there are stories of other people, that takes up 80% of the book. If I want to read about Casanova, I will take out a book about him.
Moralizers need not apply, but even the more unscrupulous of you should be warned.......2007-09-03
We've got plenty of people complaining about how amoral this book is and plenty of others who tell you about how great this book is so I don't think I really need to say anything about that here.
What DOES need to be said is that, even if you are the type of person who's perceptions are NOT dominated by moral values - meaning that you are more likely to apply the principals in this book - there are a few things you should know.
First of all I need to make one thing perfectly clear, this is NOT a "how to get laid" guide (though you can certainly use the principals in this book for that purpose, might be a bit of overkill though), if you're looking for a simple "how to get laid" guide, you're better off looking to works from Mystery, Ross Jeffries, or whoever else is into that sort of thing.
Now to tell you what this book is. It is a book on how to dominate, manipulate, and control someone to the point of making that person your slave.
Needless to say, applying these principles for the sole purpose of getting laid is somewhat akin to using an H-bomb to hunt down a squirrel. You can do it if you really want to, but proceed with caution.
The book also warns you against pursuing victims that seem overly self-sufficient, and that insecure or unfulfilled targets make much better victims. Be careful with this you guys! The practices outlined in this book are VERY powerful. If you go overboard with applying them to people who are TOO insecure or TOO unfulfilled, in other words people who are not emotionally stable, you could very well end up driving people into a deep depression or even suicide. That's how powerful this stuff is.
On a more positive note, there is one thing about this book that even those who are inhibited by higher moral standards can walk away with - a greater understanding of human nature (which, in my opinion, is the single most important subject there is). Fair warning, a number of things that society has conditioned us to believe about mankind and human nature, this book will turn them into ashes and does not leave much room for any sort of logical rebuttal. You won't recieve any sugar-coated nonsense here, principles that are warped with whatever agenda that those behind the curtain wish to impose upon you. No sir, none of that, just cold hard facts that may very well turn your concept of reality inside out.
Bottom line, this book is very potent and it provides you with a perspective that will change your model of reality. However, if it is used carelessly, it can destroy your life and cause you to destroy the lives of others. The teachings in this book are highly potent and if they are to be carried out at all, it must be done with maturity and responsibility.
Book Description
Carmen Bryan is no stranger to the rap world. Not only did she work at Def Jam and Capitol Records but she shares a daughter with hip-hop superstar Nas -- a relationship made extremely public through Nas's celebrity status, rap lyrics, and the ever-present media. Now, in It's No Secret, a strong, resilient Carmen bares all, telling her side of the story and leaving no detail unturned -- with the true candor and raw emotion of someone who has been there, done that, and survived.
From a clandestine relationship with Nas's biggest rival, Jay-Z, that stirred up the biggest feud in hip-hop history, to seeing her reputation in tatters and a once loving relationship with Nas fall apart, Carmen depicts her trying journey to become the strong woman and mother she is today. After years of turmoil that included drugs, sex, greed, and violence -- and abandoning what she had always prized above all, her freedom -- Carmen took a stand, focusing on herself. After years of pursuit by the media, Carmen sets the record straight in It's No Secret -- and has no regrets.
Customer Reviews:
listen up.......2007-09-14
I think it was a good book. I enjoyed it, the thing was I wanted to know more about NaS and not her, the only reason why I got it was b/c of him. since i'll never marry him I wanted to know what it would be like to be with him. I'll still take him though i know that. I read it in one day. but i do wish her the best. sometimes things dont always work out
not all that intersting.......2007-09-14
could have been better not interesting enough maybe if carmen slept around with more people this would sell more but not all that good so what nas beat her, both were guilty we all know nas was a male ho we know jay z is a male ho too we know kelis is a freak, hdell nas may have slept witrh beyonce before she started fooling with jigga what was her number doing in his pocket in hollywood and the music business everybody sleeps with everybody.
Strong Woman? No........2007-08-25
I sure am glad I got this book at the library and didn't pay any money for it because the time I spent reading it was a waste.
Strong woman? Not even close. Drama queen? Yep.
It is pretty easy to predict she will continue to live her life with the same behavior she describes in her book. Irresponsible.
BETTER THAN U THINK.......2007-08-23
THIS BOOK WOULD BE A FIVE STAR BOOK IF IT HAD COME OUT BEFORE SUPERHEAD'S BOOK.VERY INTERESTING
This Is Her Life Let Her Live.......2007-08-09
I will start off by saying I took along time to read this book. The reason being the reviews well I won't let that effect me again. This book
is a good read. I think the problem people have with it is because they are looking for another tell all like Karrine Steffans and this is not that type. She is telling the story base on her trial and tribulations in her life. Which happen to include some well known people. She is basically saying that her life is no differnt from anybody else she makes bad choices and she has to deal with it. I mean did anybody read her final words in the book where she says there are no victims or villians. Meaning everybody knew how the situations could turn out.
With that being said Everybody Get Over It.
To tell the truth people will probably be up set with Karrine new book if she doesn't drop enough names.
Average customer rating:
- Nothing Special
- Excellent!
- Girls, Girls, Girls...
- seems like kiddie porn
- seductively fresh-This one is worth it!
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Fresh: Girls of Seduction
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ASIN: 393670919X |
Book Description
The mystique of the young girl receives a sustained erotic performance of innocence and sexual frankness in Fresh. Naz compounds the intensity through a tight range of setups, that enables these adult women, who exude the Lolita type, to playfully suggest or display their sexual allure. We may all be advanced enough to know that Lolita is not as entirely innocent as she and half of society would have you believe. Dave Naz has gathered an eclectic mix of candidates to complete your Lolita fantasy or confirm your certainty over its debasing potency. The narrative in your mind heats up when you discover her.
... a true southern California artist. His sexy imagery is casual without pretense. When one looks beyond the surface, the work is seen as much more: a cultural artifact giving clues to the sexual identities and persona of our time. -- Chas Ray Krider
Customer Reviews:
Nothing Special.......2007-04-26
This book features a dozen or so models in the type of layouts normally seen in girlie or soft porn magazines. However, the book suffers from the drawback of being significantly smaller than a typical magazine. Also, the girls are not especially young or pretty. You're much better off sticking with the magazines or going for an art photography book that's a little more orginal.
Excellent!.......2007-03-15
This book is truly a work of art. The quality of the pics of this book is wonderful.
It makes a wonderful gift or addition to a collection. Highly recommended.
This is great a coffee Table book.
Girls, Girls, Girls..........2007-02-06
There are close to 400 color pages of very sexy, very naked, and very young-looking girls in this book, so it's hard to say a bad thing about it. Oddly enough, though, although all of these girls have spectacular young bodies, I only found about half of them to be truly pretty. To me it would have made more sense to put out a 200-page book of only the prettiest girls instead of a nearly-400-page book that contains a lot of filler. But then again, who am I to complain: the pictures are sharp and clear, the girls are wonderfully-naked, many of them are gorgeous, and there are plenty of them to go around.
seems like kiddie porn.......2006-11-18
i just got this book in the mail yesterday. i feel dirty having this book in my collection. most of the girls look 14 or 15. they are mostly posed photos that don't look natural. if you're just wanting a book of naked YOUNG girls this is a good book for you. this is not an art book in my opinion...
seductively fresh-This one is worth it!.......2006-08-07
All stunning and feasts for the eyes. Dave Naz photographs pulls you into the setting and makes you feel as though you are a part of it. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves first rate photography and who admires the mystique of young girls...There are so many beautiful, young girls in this collection. Enjoy!
Customer Reviews:
The Price of an Insight.......2007-08-13
This book certainly gives a few powerful insights on social manipulation, though there are many other more authoritative works in sociology and social psychology that probe such issues much more deeply. This is not a book for those who want to understand what happens around them -- though it may give you a few illuminations -- but a handbook for those who want to profit from them. Indeed, it suggests unethical practices. But even just from reading other reviews it is quite clear that most readers do indeed consider ethics as a burden and they would rather get rid of it.
Advanced seduction for the bold: how to persuade every time.......2006-09-18
As is only appropriate, this small volume is sleek and appealing, with a glossy cover that draws the eye. It begs to be opened. Go ahead - the reward is a bonbon box full of clever diversions that might be handy if you use them right, a bit naughty if you don't, and even slyly humorous if you catch the whiff of satire. The text is broken into small - dare one say it, intimate? - morsels that you can read in stolen snatches of time. Author Robert Greene's observations on how to seduce (that is, persuade) are bordered with quotations from authors, philosophers and lovers, all offering entertaining support. However, potential seducers should note two key points. First, while Greene delivers his advice in terms of sexual seduction, if you are careful and interpretative, you may be able to apply pieces of it to general persuasion, including in business. On the downside, many of his techniques are pointedly sexy, over-the-top, amoral or manipulative. We thus recommend this book to those who study human nature for its own sake and for fun; those who will apply or modify any techniques to attain power over others; or those with the self-discipline to glean the gems, but turn away from taking unethical or illegal advantage.
masterpiece!.......2006-06-12
Believe what you will, but seduction is a traumatic artform. It is in every way the same as war! You must be crafty, charismatic, and patient. Above all, you have to recognize the certain aspects of a person's character and be able to apply the laws taught in this book. Critics may not like the way the author uses the "war-like" metaphors, but it is all true. "All is fair in love and war" applies also to seduction.
This book is a great read and is also very true. Anyone who reads it WILL recognize some of the tactics in this book. You may have been seduced by someone using them, or have used them yourself. Either way, the book breaks down why they are so successfull and shows not only why they work, but also any reversal's that can be used against you. Read it with an open mind and see for yourself how the basic phsychology of seduction can be used in everyday life. GET THE BOOK!
"Seduction" isn't just about sex - and maybe not at all. .......2006-05-09
If you're getting this book as a way to manipulate strangers to go to bed with you, you don't need this book. You need something else.
On the other hand once you realize and accept the broader meaning of "seduction," which is to lead, guide, direct, influence another individual or individuals to willingly go along with your wishes, whether benevolent or not, this is your book.
For my part, I actually recognized the techniques people who manipluated me for years in the music business. People who seemed to work magic on me and my companions to get us to do things and perform for less than we should have and be glad to accept a gig that none of us wanted, etc etc. How'd they DO that? Now I know.
How does a national leader seduce his country into going to war? How does a cult leader seduce his or her followers into giving up good jobs, careers and wonderful familes in order to live under the rule of a boundless ego? How can a corporation be seduced? A community? A church? How can YOU be seduced? It's all laid bare in this book.
The Concise Art of Seduction is a Readers Digest of the full volume, which I also have. This one is a quicker read, which means you can began putting up your defenses NOW against that boss, manager, spouse(!) or whomever, and start seeing through the emperor's clothes of manipulation and seduction. You'll seem to have wisdom beyond your years, and will be able to protect yourself from the kind of victimization that takes in millions of otherwise intelligent but hapless people each day in our society. That's all I have to say about that.
Good & Bad.......2006-03-02
I had heard of the book but finally purchased it because 'other readers' had also purchased the Art of War. Ha. It was the first read of Ellexir, my women's book club. The principals & theories are psychological in nature, universal & quite familiar. However, the author's style of writing is quite obnoxious & satanic in approach. His reference to third parties as 'victims' is disgusting. The author's use of shock value to capture his readers was quite disappointing. However, if the reader can manage to step over the negative connotations and wordy diarrhea, then by all means it's a good read. This was the overall concensus of my book club. Make sure to get the 'concise version.'
Book Description
Inside every man is a Mack waiting to emerge. M.A.C.K. Tactics arms men with the confidence, knowledge, and skills they need to conquer the dating game and succeed with women on a whole new level. Hip and humorous, and covering everything from fashion to passion, M.A.C.K. Tactics is a complete crash course in self-improvement and self-discovery.
Armed with this arsenal of strategies and techniques, any guy-regardless of age or background-can immediately begin interacting with women with more confidence and success. Cowritten by a former Hostage Negotiator, M.A.C.K. Tactics shows you in detail how the principles of hostage negotiation can be applied to the dating game. Now, for the first time, these strategies have been translated for use in meeting and succeeding with women. Whether you've been hitting the occasional home run or are stuck in a slump, M.A.C.K. Tactics will take your game to a place you never dreamed possible.
Customer Reviews:
Not pimpin.......2007-07-30
I thought this book had to do with checking bread from square broads. This book is for cat's who need confidence. If you already got game and you can get square b******, then you don't need this book.
Establishing boundaries.......2007-02-06
Every book on this topic has at least one jewel of a nugget. The pieces that stuck out most in my own head is the premise that you as the guy, (contrary to societies preachings and brow beatings) are in fact a person.
You are allowed to have your own rules, your own boundaries. This books one contribution to my own pursuits on this topic is to communicate and enforce those rules and boundaries so a woman does not run ripshod all over you. We deserve the same level of courtesy and respect as women demand from us.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS ONE OF THE MOST INTELLIGENT AND PRACTICAL BOOKS ON MEETING WOMEN..........2006-11-07
... and, believe me, I've read through a lot of garbage lately written by chumps-masquerading-as-casanovas who's "success" rate with women is highly suspect, judging by the outdated and/or ridiculous advice espoused in their books (I won't name names, but you can see my other reviews for more info)... this is the one to get by guys who obviously know what they're talking about based on real-life experience.
M.A.C.K. Tactics.......2006-06-19
It's a great dating book. Very useful tactics one can use to level the playfield with women. One technique that really stands out is the IOU (not to be confused with IOI's, hehe), which I believe is worth the price of the book. You can probably write another book based on that one technique alone because there's so many great applications for it.
But this book is NOT a pick-up book;It's a dating book. Most of these techniques are best used in a more intimate 1 on 1 situation with a women. These techniques are not going to make you get all enthused and go out to your local mall and start "macking it" to every hotty in site. (at least it didn't for me. Nonetheless it's a fun read and a great way to improve your dating life 2 fold.
The "other" take on dating.......2006-03-26
Many of the books written on dating today are from "gurus" like David D., Ross Jeffries, Mystery, Neil Strauss (not necessarily a guru but worked with the best). The authors of this book bring an entirely different persepctive to the dating world. They discuss many of the same techniques in a way that is far more palatable to the average male who does not see women as his only source of affirmation. Great book, good advice.
Book Description
An innovative new collection of visual advertising techniques and tricks.
Advertisers are engaged in a constant search for new ways to grab the interest and appetites of consumers. Often they use words, but just as frequently they use eye-fooling, mind-bending images—optical illusions—to pull viewers up short and force them to glance again. The second look is the key to successful communication, and images that elicit that reaction are an indispensable trick of the advertising trade.
Uwe Stoklossa knows the secrets behind the second look. He shares this knowledge here in hundreds of examples of ads he has collected from around the world, and also in his intriguing essays on perception, optical tricks, and illusion.
A myriad of new techniques and concepts make this a rich source of ideas and inspiration for anyone involved in advertising or the business of communication. 500+ color illustrations.
Customer Reviews:
suprisingly informative.......2007-06-02
despite the other advertising books that i read that don't explain mach about the way and more of the add, this book is suprisingly informative, while categorise the chapters by subject and is realy easy to review and learn. non-the-less, the add's are very good and interesting.
Book Description
The first career retrospective of the great Archie comics artist.
Dan DeCarlo was one of the greatest artists working in humor comics in the latter half of the 20th century. He was without a doubt the most prolific, and for that reason was often referred to as "The Jack Kirby of humor comics." But he might have been likewise compared to pinup artist Gill Elvgren for his ability to render the female form in a way that was at once funny, charming, and unbelievably sexy. DeCarlo worked mostly on wholesome all-American features like Archie's Girls Betty and Veronica and My Friend Irma, but he populated these innocent stories with his irresistibly attractive women. This unique blend of hilarious homespun humor and libido-sparking art made DeCarlo's work outshine the competition.
For nearly six decades, DeCarlo entertained the world with his special talents. Though best known as the definitive Archie Comics artist and creator of Josie and the Pussycats, DeCarlo also brought his unique style to dozens of other characters including Millie The Model, Willie Lumpkin, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Big Boy, Batman and even The Simpsons.
In 2005, Fantagraphics published The Pin-Up Art of Dan DeCarlo, a beautiful two-color knock-out of a collection featuring his best pin-ups from the 1950s/'60s Humorama digest. With Innocence and Seduction: The Art of Dan DeCarlo, Fantagraphics Books presents a fitting tribute to the life and art of one of the world's all-time best cartoonists in a wider-ranging career retrospective. DeCarlo fan, friend, and fellow cartoonist Bill Morrison has written and produced the ultimate book on this remarkable artist, lavishly designed with over 300 illustrations. Included are rare World War II-era cartoons, original Humorama pinups, seldom-seen newspaper strips, examples of his justly famous commercial comics work, and of course, lots and lots of those fabulous DeCarlo girls!
Customer Reviews:
Excellent book for DeCarlo and Archie comics fan.......2006-11-06
Informative history of Decarlo. Lots of great artwork. Recommended!!
Average customer rating:
- THE DARK WORKS OF JOSE DEL NIDO
|
The Art Of Jose Del Nido: Deadly Seductions (Art Fantastix)
Jose Del Nido
Manufacturer: SQP
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ASIN: 0865620954 |
Book Description
Whether they're of self-possessed women warriors in battle or demon-possessed creatures of terrible beauty, Jose Del Nido imbues each painting with a magnitude of awesome strength. These are ladies you do not want to annoy! A cover illustrator without peer, Jose has jam-packed this volume of his work with dozens upon dozens of full color masterworks, each more alluring and magnificent than the next. You will be in awe of this man's boundless talents and ability to make the unreal seem possible.
Customer Reviews:
THE DARK WORKS OF JOSE DEL NIDO.......2005-08-29
I have to admit to being unaware of the talents of Jose Del Nido until I saw this book which just blew me away. Del Nido is unique among fantasy/erotic artists in that he works digitally, using various software programs to create his illustrations. As explained in the introduction, this allows Jose to simulate various styles of painting such as oils, acrylics, and air-brushing, combined with the digital ability to fashion stunning uses of lighting, color, shading, and reflection. The result is some of the most darkly beautiful artwork I've ever experienced. Del Nido's women convey a sense of erotic danger, even from those who find themselves captive to dark forces. This is an over-sized, soft cover book printed on heavy, glossy stock that collectors will certainly appreciate. As with the other fine art collections from SQP, the back of the book has an index to each of the paintings that provide the title of the piece and the medium in which it was created.
The pieces in this collection range from females captured and at the mercy of bestial creatures and demons, to powerful, domineering women whose seductiveness is only overshadowed by her power. In "Winged Devil", a lovely nude woman is chained as a great winged demon hovers behind her; her supple white skin a contrast to the foreboding gloom of the background. "Anxiety" is a haunting illustration as a blonde woman is bound, her eyes tightly closed as she awaits her fate as a sacrifice to a dragon. An enticing Enchantress is mounted upon a giant rat in "Sewers" as she traverses the dank underground tunnels of some long-forgotten city.
The power of Del Nido's women is on display in "Fight to the Death" as a female gladiator stands over the fallen form of giant beast while the crowd in the gladiatorial arena roars its approval. In a piece brimming with gothic mood, a winged, female vampire stands poised atop a castle's walls while several large bats fly against the full moon. Another female vampire is the subject of "Wishing Well", this time a red-haired beauty with an evil grin and blood trickling down her chin and breasts. "Offering" evokes a horrific sense of evil as a woman is bound by chains to a pillar while a group of hooded cultists encircle her. One can only imagine the dreadful fate that awaits her.
Perhaps my favorite piece in the book (Although it's impossible to pick a favorite) may be one entitled "Lucifer's Wives". The Dark Lord Lucifer stands atop an alter, a bubbling vat of blood in front of him while his two blond vampire brides lie seductively on the ground before them. The dark imagery of this illustration is truly magnificent. You'll find yourself looking at these pieces over and over as you marvel at the skill and imagination that Del Nido possesses. While the digital format gives him the ability to do things you may not be able to do with conventional painting, he is first and foremost, a very gifted artist.
Reviewed by Tim Janson
Book Description
Take an intimate look into the contemporary world of absinthe. International in scope, Absinthe: Sip of Seduction is a visually rich journey into an alluring subculture. Punctuated with color reproductions of classic and current lithographs, posters, postcards, cartoons, antiques, glassware, bottles, and other tools of the absinthe drinker, this new and thorough study explains and illustrates the history, culture, and mystique of the drink known as the Green Fairy.
Absinthe bars have popped up all over the globe in recent years. Festivals in Switzerland and France celebrate the many distilleries and varieties of absinthe available on the market today. Museums, films, collectors, and -reviews of existing brands all set this title apart from the historically based volumes currently on the English language market. Absinthe: Sip of Seduction explores absinthe's contemporary absinthe and ritual.
The focus is unique; in addition to the customary glimpses of history, the authors provide insights into the controversy and effects of the Green Fairy through the stories of famous connoisseurs such as Vincent Van Gogh, Oscar Wilde, Ernest Hemingway, and Pablo Picasso. However, consumption and enjoyment of absinthe is not just relegated to history; contemporary drinkers include Johnny Depp and Marilyn Manson. Explained are sipping instructions, variations including French, Czech, and German methods, cocktail and drink recipes, and even suggestions for culinary accompaniments.
Confirmed absinthe drinkers, neophytes, the curious, and collectors will all find this book equally intriguing and seductive.
Customer Reviews:
Total Lack of Editorial Integrity and Academic Rigor.......2006-09-14
This book is a sales brochure, nothing more. Ted Breaux serves as an "editor" for the book and then gives his own Jade brand absinthe a glowing review without ever revealing that he is the distiller of the product! This is a basic matter of editorial integrity: shame on all three authors for not being honest with their readers!
They also misattribute the famous phrase "absinthe makes the tart grow fonder" to Oscar Wilde instead of Ernest Dowson! Anyone who has any knowledge of literary history knows of Oscar's preferences -- he didn't "do" tarts. That was Dowson, pure and simple, author of the incredible poem "Cynara".
This book gets one star for the poster reproductions...and that is generous.
damaged.......2006-07-06
When this book arrived, it had obviously been handled very poorly during the packaging process. There were smudges and rips all over the cover, detracting from the book's appeal as a coffee table book. I returned it to a local Borders and requested they order a replacement, but I'm still waiting for the new book to come in. This has been very frustrating
Truly a Contemporary Guide!.......2006-05-27
This book is truly a delight to own for both the modern day absinthe connoisseur or those merely interested in late 17th-18th century styles and trends. "Absinthe: Sip of Seduction" by Betina J. Wittels was edited by leading American Absinthe scholar, T.A. Breaux.
One of the greatest aspects about this book is the fact that it has a number of beautiful pictures concerning Absinthe. From early pictures and posters to modern day Absinthe shots, this book has it all. Most impressive are full or near-full page shots of 18th century Absinthe posters and paintings, many of which are designed by some of the most famous names in history.
Perhaps second to the art and yet of great value to those interested in Absinthe is how the book discusses both the history of the drink as well as how it is now. While the mysterious drink's history is perhaps better detailed in Barnaby Conrad III's "Absinthe: History in a Bottle," Wittels offers the drinks history in a compact, reader friendly fashion that's both full of information as well as a pleasure to read.
Unlike historical works (such as "History in a Bottle"), "Sip of Seduction" manages to cut through a lot of bland history and present us with information regarding modern day absinthe drinkers. From a decent listing of some of the more famous brands of Absinthe to places in Europe the reader can find Absinthe collectibles and actually buy Absinthe legally across the globe, Wittels does well to call her book a "contemporary guide." Whether or not you plan on using the contemporary information found within the text to find a bar in Europe or simply want it as a reference, the information found within is well worth the read.
There are two aspects of the book which are slightly disappointing. Absinthe enthusiasts would have liked a lot more coverage of the blown out of proportion chemical compound known as Thujone (a compound which was rumored to cause madness mainly to further the goals of the Prohibition). This book very quickly covers the topic in a small section entitled, "Thujone, Madness or Myth?" in which it concludes, based on a 1960s study, that one would need to consume quite a bit of Absinthe (far more than is humanly tolerable given the high alcohol content typically found in most Absinthes) in order to feel any ill side effects of Thujone, should any exist.
This topic of Thujone is discussed more properly online via Absinthe forums, websites, and retailer websites. However this topic is also mentioned quite nicely in "Absinthe: A Myth Always Green" by Benoit Noel - this last reference is terrific, highly recommended, contains a lot information that "Sip of Seduction" should have had as well as more contemporary nods to Absinthe (Amazon France, Amazon.fr, has the book to buy). The sections of importance regarding Thujone in "A Myth Always Green" are, "T.A. Breaux: Interview with a Chemist" and Ian Hutton's piece on "Absinthe - Separating Myth from Reality" which can be found online.
The other aspect of "Sip of Seduction" which was slightly important was that it tried too hard to provide an unbiased listing of different brands of modern Absinthe. Much better lists with reviews exist online and yet it would have been kinder to quality Absinthe producers to include a few reviews for each of the mentioned products (after all, there are brands of modern Absinthe almost all connoisseurs would agree are horrible). "A Myth Always Green" tackles this by expanding the list considerably.
Despite some obvious shortcomings, "Absinthe: Sip of Seduction" is a must own for anyone remotely interested in the subject! Despite having a very soft cover my copy has lasted through quite a bit, the construction as well is simply quite beautiful. A must buy!
excellent.......2006-03-21
This book was very informative, while also being an interesting read. Good beginners book on absinthe. Definitely recomend this for those new to the world of absinthe.
A welcome addition!.......2005-09-17
I disagree with the previous reviewers' statement of `if you already have Conrad(`s book "Absinthe - History in a Bottle") there's no reason to buy Wittels's book as well.' On the contrary, anyone seriously interested in not only the history of absinthe, but also it's modern use and cultural impact, should own both.
While `Sip of Seduction' may not be as erudite as Conrad's work, I would venture to guess that such wasn't Wittel's aim.
`Sip of Seduction,' while serving as an engaging introduction to the fairy, provides information (i.e., culinary delicacies to accompany the ritual, reviews of currently available absinthes, lists of modern suppliers) that other publications on the subject do not. Add to that the myriad engaging reprints of classic absinthe advertisements, related paintings, photography of absinthiana (spoons, fountains, bonques) modern absinthes (and reviews), as well as an enthusiastic and breezy writing style, and you have a book that is a welcome addition to any absintheur's library.
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