You know this isn't an ordinary sex guidebook when "A Word of Caution" at the beginning includes, "Some of the positions were accomplished only after years of yogic practice... Please don't get stuck in a position you can't get out of." And indeed, a few of the splendidly illustrated positions demand a degree of strength and flexibility we may find only in our fantasies. Picture a man and women engaged in mutual oral sex, the man sitting back comfortably with legs extended, the woman in a backbend over him, her legs straddling his chest, her arms straddling his thighs, face tucked into his groin. How long could you hold that, if you could get into it in the first place? A few acrobatic positions aside, most of the positions are enticing and, shall we say, accessible.

Talented illustrator Kyle Spencer is the star of this show. Her illustrations reflect four distinctly different artistic styles: realistic drawings of modern lovers, line drawings reminiscent of ancient Asian and Indian erotic art, illustrations from Indian temple sculptures, and classic Japanese erotic art. Unless you read the introduction, you won't guess that such varied illustrations are all by the same artist.

The text is snippets of the history of sexuality through the ages, with biographical notes from the author. Who would have guessed from his quick and inept first sexual experience at age 20 (in a bathroom at the camp where he and his companion were counselors) that he would become a sexologist and massage therapist? Quotes from modern lovers accompany each illustration. Although all the illustrations show male-female partners, the author points out (and the quotes support) that same-gender couples can enjoy most of these positions as well. --Joan Price