The Art of Sensual Massage

by Gordon Inkeles, Robert Foothorap (Photographer)

With over 1,000,000 copies sold, The Art of Sensual Massage is the world’s best selling massage book. Now in a new, extensively revised edition, the book takes readers every step of the way through a delightful full body massage. Published in eight languages and with two decades as a Book-of-the-Month Club, Quality Paperback Book Club and One Spirit Book Club selection, The Art of Sensual Massage is one of the all-time great romantic gift books.

Genres: Sexuality, Nonfiction, Self Help, Health, Relationships, How To, Erotica

161 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[HeavyReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

My copy of this book has a copyright date of 1972, and the black and white photos of naked people sensually touching each other are about what I expect from that era. The book has a lot of good information, even a section on "Draining the Colon." I suggest not trying that one with the next person you bring home from the bar.

[Jason Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yeah, this book isn't going to teach you anything.

[Doug Ingold · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first moved to rural California fifty years ago a bumper sticker seen on most ranch pickups said: “Eat More Lamb; one million coyotes can’t be wrong.”
I thought of that bumper sticker when I came across a copy of this massage book and found that it is still in print and thriving a half century after it first appeared. Copies can be found in the lofts of wooded cabins, on the shelves of sleek condos and in the bedrooms of high-rise penthouses. While the sheep have pretty much disappeared from northern California, thousands of people who have benefited from this book still reach for their curled and oil-stained copies to refresh their memories, or loan it to a friend, or pass it on to a new generation. The book endures because it is the classic text on the art of the sensual massage; no other has approached its clarity, the detail of its instruction, the beauty of its presentation or the gentle wisdom it contains: “Be silent. Let your hands say it.”

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is primarily a book about sensuality, not sexuality, though of course massage skills are quite valuable in bed. There are other books on erotic massage. This book contains practical advice on how to rub a back inventively and well, or indeed any part of the body that needs it, by methods popularized at Esalen. Of course, it's best to take lessons in person to learn this skill rather than to rely entirely on a book, but as books on massage go, this was probably the best of its time. Without lessons, it's all too easy to painfully probe a bone or some tender spot. The black-and-white photos were daring for the 1970s but remained within the bounds of good taste. Oh, and as for Inkeles' recommendations on kneading the bowels ("Indeed, I could hardly do without them") -- decades later, that's turned out to be some of the best advice. You never know what will prove useful!

[Matthew Kjelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good on general massage technique and timing for each part of the body. Not so good for the sensual and erotic massage techniques. I was not expecting the nude photos but they were classic and tasteful.

[Warren Gossett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming book about relaxing home massage published by Rolling Stone in 1972.

[Alicia Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

a sexy, informative book to enjoy alone or with someone else. love the 70s black and white images.

[The_J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even if the pictures are of their era, the direction is strong and cogent.

[Andrew Clardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic

Classic

Though the book give an image of the seventies, there is always a romantic tone in sensual massage. I like this book, because it covers the basics, and I have little more confidence in massaging my wife

[Dr. John Earnest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best massage book you can buy. Essential.

[Stuart Closey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book great classic photos good starter