The Fantasy Book by Clarkson Potter - review by Dame Demi

The Fantasy Book is a lovely, if not particularly original, book of erotic suggestions for lovers. The key here is EROTIC; this book is full of poetry, lavish prose, and tastefully erotic photographs, many containing partial nudity. This book is not meant as a bachelorette party gag gift; it is truly an erotic guide for lovers to explore sexual play.

First of all the book is lovely, with a rich chocolate cover and sepia-toned floral band across it, and a satin ribbon marker to mark your favorite page to leave out for your lover to find. The pages are glossy, the artwork is erotic, and the writing is lush. This book is sensual—the equivalent of a hot, erotic bubble bath with wine, rose petals and candles rather than a quickie standing up in the shower. All of the ideas are presented with a simple title, embellished by florid prose or poetry elaborating on the suggestion. Several of the suggestions contain cards presented in glued-in envelopes, with fill-in areas or lists of suggestions on the back. It may be over-the-top for some people, but I found it to be a wonderful, romantic and erotic accessory for when you feel like taking your time and being sensual.

Most of the suggestions are erotic, if unoriginal and not terribly inspired, but they are presented so beautifully I did not care. The ideas presented include such activities as acting out sexual fantasies, taking erotic photographs, and lovemaking with oil—erotic, if not earthshaking suggestions. The one exception, that I found truly creative and unusual, is filling a bathtub with marshmallows and playing in it with chocolate syrup—definitely something I would not have come up with on my own! The one suggestion that really fell flat for me was completing an erotic haiku. I did not see that point. But then, I kind of hate haiku, so that might be a personal preference.

I think The Fantasy Book is a classy addition to any sex manual collection, since it is erotic, romantic, and tastefully done enough to satisfy both partners (though it is probably geared more toward her sensibilities than his). I think it would make a lovely gift for a wedding or anniversary.