The Sultan's Sex Potions

<p>Arabic erotic literature has a long and rich history, which goes back as far as the ninth century. Far from being the pursuit of prurient pornographers, eroticism and sexuality received considerable attention from scholars.</p><p>Written by Nasir al-Din al-Tusi (1201 - 1274), one of the leading scientists of the age, <em>The Sultan''s Sex Potions</em> is part of a relatively small group of works devoted to aphrodisiacs, as well as sexual stimulants, sexual practices and positions. Sober and measured in tone, the work was intended to be a manual, which would allow the patient to dispense with the services of a physician. Written at the request of the ruler, its potions, electuaries, syrups and enemas enjoyed a ''royal warrant of appointment'' to arouse the lust for coitus and enhance sexual potency.</p><p>This bilingual volume includes a critical edition of three manuscripts (Berlin, Cairo and Glasgow) and is accompanied by a translation, as well as an introduction to Arabic erotic literature, a biography of the author and extensive indexes.</p>