The Kama Sutra of Vatsyayana. Translated from the Sanscrit. in Seven Parts. with Preface, Introduction, and Concluding Remarks. by Burton, Richard F. (translator) - 1883

London: Kama Shastra Society. Very Good+. 1883. Hardcover. Bound in full vellum. Fifth edition. According to Penzer, the first edition was not bound as a book, it was published in parts. The second, third, fourth, and fifth editions were all bound as hardcover books in full vellum and all are very close in appearance. All are dated 1883, but it is highly likely that at least the fourth and fifth editions were printed later. Penzler's bibliography of Burton was published in 1923, and at that time, he believed the fifth edition was "of much more recent date than 1883." Penzer gives several points for indentifying the editions and this one is the fourth state of the second edition (fifth overall edition). Published for the Kama Shastra Society of London and Benares that Burton and Arbuthnot set up to be able to publish this book without going to prison for violating obscenity laws. Spine very slightly slanted. Vellum covers lightly soiled. Pages are clean - no previous owner marks, no foxing, no spotting. Vellum at head of spine a little wrinkled, bottom corners gently bumped, top corners gently rubbed, tail of spine very gently bumped. Endpapers age darkened. Ships same or next business day well protected in a box. ; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 181 pages .