A gorgeous deluxe edition of the world's most celebrated guide to life, love, relationships and pleasure. Little is known about Vatsyayana, who is reputed to have composed the ''Kama Sutra'' ''while observing a celibate's life in full meditation.'' In Sanskrit the word ''kama'' means desire, especially for sensual pleasure, and its proper pursuit was considered an essential part of a young, urbane gentleman's well-rounded education.Untold numbers of readers are curious about the ''Kama Sutra'' but put off by its cliched image as an erotic Oriental curiosity. This elegant edition offers a compelling modern translation of a classic Indian masterpiece-and a wry and entertaining account of human desire and foibles.