The Virago Book of Erotic Myths and Legends

by shahrukh-husain

Uncovering a wealth of lore from cultures around the world, Shahrukh Husain has amassed a collection that will delight and entice. Through subtle reworking, these erotic tales are given new expression while remaining faithful to the original texts. From the rapturous sexual awakening of Inanna and the bittersweet passion of Krishna and Radha, to Hera’s betrayal of Zeus and the adulterous passion of Lancelot and Guenevere, this anthology of sexual encounters ranges from the holy, passionate, and dutiful to the forbidden, earthy, and humorous. Shahrukh Husain was born and brought up in Pakistan and is a practicing psychotherapist; among her previous books are The Goddess, Handsome Heroines, Daughters of the Moon, and The Virago Book of Witches.

Genres: Erotica, Mythology, Short Stories, Sexuality, Fiction, Fantasy, Anthologies

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Antonomasia]

Bits of mythology with some sex and romance.
This does not necessarily equal erotica.
Stories all had similar voice - all by one author - despite being from different traditions. And the voice wasn't compelling enough to make that okay.
Introduction was a bit prissy at times, considering it's meant to be erotica.
Wouldn't rule out having another go at this at some point, but not worth keeping. Anyway, it's evidently not just me...

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contained some ancient myths mixed in with some modern interpretations of ancient myths. I love myths so it was mostly enjoyable to me. A couple of the modern ones were annoying though as they smacked of a "Penthouse Letters" version of an ancient myth.

[Sammy Sutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book featuring an anthyology like format of different romantic myths from various regions throughout the world. The title suggests it is erotic, but I'm not sure I would label it as erotic, however it does have sexual references.

[Ariel Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you are a lover of world mythos and eros, this is your book. compiled short stories from around the world with an erotic twist to it. beautiful.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of stories from around the world, retelling various myths and legends that are related to eroticism and sensualism. Some I'd heard before but overall it was an interesting look at the views and values of (mostly) ancient civilisations

[Adrian Colesberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always refreshing to read reminders from the sex-positive past. The Arousal of Inanna was a particularly great story, especially her first song. Checked it out from the UCLA library (YRL).

[Carly Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a compilation of myths from around the world that involve love and romance. In no way is this EROTIC reading by any means in the modern day sense.

[A.R. Jarvis · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was awful. Never mind the fact that I strongly doubt the tales were actually original, it was poorly written and not terribly anything except terrible.