
Let's talk about this intriguing book that blends art history with eroticism. Having spent evenings flipping through its pages, I can confirm it's a visually stunning collection - but with some caveats.
The print quality is absolutely luxurious - you can practically feel the texture of the brushstrokes on the heavy, high-quality paper. It's the kind of book you handle carefully, almost reverently. The cover on my used copy arrived slightly torn (a common complaint), but the interior was pristine.
Henry Miller's introduction alone makes this worth owning for serious collectors. His perspective adds intellectual heft to what could otherwise be dismissed as just another erotic art book. The historical context about how these works existed in their societies is particularly fascinating - like learning that Courbet's famous 'L'Origine du Monde' was once so scandalous it was rarely seen, now hanging proudly in Musée d'Orsay.
Now for the downsides: Some reproductions suffer from questionable photography - details get lost in shadows or appear washed out. And beware Kindle buyers! The digital version only covers 18th century works despite misleading marketing. Also had a laugh at the French/English mix-up some buyers experienced - definitely check language versions before purchasing.
As an art resource, it's invaluable for seeing how masters like Picasso, Klimt and Dali approached erotic themes differently than their mainstream work. But manage expectations - while comprehensive, it's not the definitive collection of erotic masterpieces some might hope for.
Final verdict? At used book prices, it's a worthy addition to any art lover's collection. Just don't expect museum-quality reproductions across all pieces, and double-check which version you're getting!
