Let me start by saying this isn't your average coffee table book. The 'Erotic Art of the Masters' feels like holding a secret museum catalog that somehow made it past the censors. The heavyweight paper quality immediately impresses - you can practically smell the ink when flipping through those 18th-20th century masterpieces.

Henry Miller's introduction sets the perfect tone, though I'll admit some reproductions suffer from questionable photography. That Courbet section particularly frustrated me - the famous 'L'Origine du Monde' appears disappointingly dark compared to seeing it glow at Musée d'Orsay. Yet there's something thrilling about examining these works in private that you'd never dare scrutinize so closely in a crowded museum.

The Kindle version is where things get messy. Amazon completely botches the description - what's advertised as a complete collection turns out to be just Volume 1 covering 18th century works. For digital readers, this bait-and-switch is unforgivable. Stick to the physical copy, preferably used (mine arrived with slight cover wear but pristine interiors at half price).

What surprised me most were the laugh-out-loud moments. These artists treated eroticism with such playful wit - from Watteau's cheeky compositions to Bellmer's surreal doll fantasies. It's not just about arousal; it's about humanity's eternal dance between propriety and desire. My art student roommate kept 'borrowing' my copy for figure drawing inspiration until I finally gifted her one.

Major warning for non-French speakers though: verify language versions before purchasing! Some sellers falsely advertise English editions. And if you're expecting comprehensive coverage, know that Picasso and Klimt get surprisingly little attention compared to lesser-known masters.

For serious collectors, this remains an essential (if flawed) survey of Western erotic art history. Just manage expectations regarding reproduction quality and completeness - and maybe keep it on a high shelf if conservative relatives visit.