Alain Danilou (1907-1994) was without question a Renaissance man. Following his early years as an artist, dancer, and musician in Paris (Cocteau, Diaghilev, and Stravinsky were among his friends), Danilou settled in India, where he spent fifteen years in the study of Sanskrit, philosophy, and music. After numerous university appointments in India, he returned in 1963 to Europe, establishing the Institute of Comparative Music Studies in Berlin for the reevaluation of Asian music. Danilou wrote more than thirty books about the philosophy, religion, history, and arts of India, including Gods of Love and Ecstasy; Myths and Gods of India; Virtue, Success, Pleasure, and Liberation; While the Gods Play; The Phallus; and Music and the Power of Sound.

"Daniélou's new and complete translation of the Kama Sutra is one of his masterpieces. It is all enchantment, a world of refined sensation. Our debt to his scholarship and humanity is immeasurable."

• Editor's Note Introduction by Alain Danielou Part One: General Remarks 1. Contents of the Book 2. The Three Aims of Life 3. The Acquisition of Knowledge 4. The Conduct of the Well-bred Townsman 5. Reflections on Intermediaries Who Assist the Lover in His Enterprises Part Two: Amorous Advances 1. Stimulation of Erotic Desire 2. Embraces 3. Petting and Caresses 4. The Art of Scratching 5. Biting 6. On Copulation and Special Tastes 7. Blows and Sighs 8. Virile Behavior in Women 9. Superior Coition or Fellation 10. Preludes and Conclusions to the Game of Love Part Three: Acquiring a Wife 1. Forms of Marriage 2. How to Relax the Girl 3. Ways of Obtaining the Girl 4. How to Manage Alone 5. Union by Marriage Part Four: Duties and Privileges of the Wife 1. Conduct of the Only Wife 2. Conduct of the Chief Wife and Other Wives Part Five: Other Men's Wives 1. Behavior of Woman and Man 2. Encounters to Get Acquainted 3. Examination of Sentiments 4. The Task of the Go-between 5. The King's Pleasures 6. Behavior in the Gynoecium Part Six: About Courtesans 1. Advice of the Assistants on the Choice of Lovers 2. Looking for a Steady Lover 3. Ways of Making Money 4. Renewing Friendship with a Former Lover 5. Occasional Profits 6. Profits and Losses: Reflections on Doubts Concerning the Advantages and Disadvantages of Relations Part Seven: Occult Practices 1. Success in Love 2. Arousing a Weakened Sexual Power Appendices 1. Texts Quoted 2. Mythical and Historical Characters and Authors Mentioned in the Text 3. Works Consulted 4. Glossary I: Plants, Herbs, Spices, and Sundry Products 5. Glossary II: Special Terms Index About the Translator