In a word, this is an exceptional work. A work like this is really outstanding, its got depth and a tremendous scope of indispensable knowledge.

Anyone serious about the seduction arts would benifit from adding this book to their collection. It is not a lite read, as it is pretty dense in both scope and breadth of knowledge but that just is what is nessacary to really understad the seduction process.

This is a book that one needs to - study - from, and the rewards will be many as you apply the knowledge in your interactions with others.

I really can't say enough good things about this exceptional work other then to recommend it highly to anyone who truly wants to understand the power of seduction and how the skill set has to be developed from a bedrock of accurate knowledge.

This book is that bedrock of knowledge. Just be sure to use all the knowledge and power gained with responsibility & intelligence.

Remember, knowledge used wisely is light, used selfishly it becomes self destruction. This is an outstanding book!!

* Aristotle *

From all the positive reviews, I was expecting a classic masterpiece to learning the "how-to" skills of seduction; instead, what I got were endless historical stories of seduction in play that bored the hell out of me, and I even skipped the first 200 pages to get to the goody part of hoping to learn the practical process of seduction, and to my non-surprise, more endless stories that didn't address the old-fashion "how-to". I didn't learn anything from this book besides the useless insights and theories, like I really care!

Frankly, this book is way overrated. For an almost 500 pages book, it could have been compressed into a 100 page practical book. This is not much of a self-help; there are better books out there and are easily applicable immediately after reading in learning seduction.

Good, detailed, long as hell. Like two books in one. Will take a long time to complete.

Robert Greene is a highly talented writer. He uses history and psychology to back up his overall philosophy. The Art of Seduction is interesting both for its many stories and for the alternative philosophy.

Every reader will learn much about themselves in these pages, even if they choose to repress the part of themselves that Mr. Greene is trying to set free from the restrictive morality imposed on us by others. As the author reminds us, morality is just another effective tactic used by people to achieve their own goals.

That being said, a bit of common sense should be used. This book is an excellent starting point; and a great way to stir up thoughts in your brain, but the end result has to come from your own inflection.

I highly recommend this and other Robert Greene titles to everybody that has ever been born, ever.

Let's face it. People WANT to be seduced. The book just makes you aware of WHY the techniques you already employed were effective and WHEN to use them. As a female, I saw glimmers of my past relationships throughout the book. You really cannot hope to keep a relationship (even with good intentions) without retaining seductive tactics. Once your tactics become more innocent, men become bored and search for someone else to seduce them. Whether or not you want to admit it, you have used some of these tactics before or you may have just been single for too long. Men, women, children, animals all want what they can't have. Learn to seduce. Read the book. Forget sex. The most important thing here is elluding to sex to maintain interest and enthusiasm.

Robert Greene is great at giving examples and historical stories on his topics great book.

AOS is a book not only of how to, but full of interesting stories that can captivate ones mind. I'm typically a guy who loves to read self help psychology books, but I was fascinated by the stories in this book. It made me realize more about past people that I never would of guessed. I never really knew that Cleopatra was a seductive siren whore. I loved this book, and I'll read it again when I have nothin else to read.

Some reviewers didn't like this book, arguing that seduction, as the author paints it, is manipulative, and so immoral. They say the author's is a dark art: it is not only itself bad, but never leads to happy, lasting relationships. Some readers liked this book in SPITE of considering it immoral, by admiring the author's dazzling command of both the endless intricacies of seduction, as well as its long history. Others in this camp gave it a backhanded compliment: "This book showed me how to protect myself from the cunning seducers out there". Finally, some reviewers, myself included, liked this book because they believe in some form of the adage: "All's fair in love and war".
To me, the methods of love and war, are in and of themselves neither good nor bad. Both can bring either misery or freedom. So to claim seduction itself is bad, is like saying that all war is bad, because its methods are destructive.
You may believe, as I do, that SOMETIMES, "the end justifies the means" (as Machiavelli famously claimed in "The Prince"). If a seduction leads to a lasting, happy relationship (and the author recounts seductions where this was indeed the outcome--Pamela Churchill's seduction of Averell Harriman, and Benjamin Disraeli's over Queen Victoria), then seduction can be used to happy, even virtuous, ends. If a seduction leads to evil (as did Rasputin's in Tsarist Russia) then such a seduction,regardless of methods, is itself evil. Finally, sometimes seduction can cause so much "collateral damage", that one may judge it wrong regardless of its aims (e.g. the ruinous and cynical giant deception that Potemkin used to seduce the Empress Catherine).
So, if you like exploring the myriad gray areas of both the art and aims of seduction, and if you like a fascinating historical and psychological read, then don't be daunted by those who paint the art of power and influence in two colors: black and white!

I can appreciate where this author is coming from, and I have even used some of his concepts. The truth of the matter, however, is that I really am not stealthy enough or dedicated enough to spend that much time working on the art of seduction. I have friends, family and work, not to mention other creative things I like to do. I don't have time to study, learn and put all these suggestions into practice. They are a bit creepy and calculated. How did I "seduce" my man, and manage to keep him? By reading and putting into practice the suggestions in this book: Was that an earthquake? The Sensuous Couple's (Flip Over) Guide to Seismic Oral Sex. Ask my guy, and he will tell you that I know the art of seduction! One side of this book gives you all the information you'll need about fellatio. Flip it over, and you have all the information you'll kneed about cunnilingus.

This is the most useful book on romance I've encountered, and I'll bet I've read fifty. Greene untangles the mystery of what attracts us: a fantasy of an easier, more colorful, more exciting life. Note that we are attracted to fantasy, not reality. Unlike reality, fantasy can be created and manipulated. This gives great hope to women who are not super-models and to men who are not super-rich.

Greene teaches us to investigate, to plan our attempts at romance. We learn the right mix of revelation and obscurity, of kindness and cruelty. Yes, that's correct; the biggest mistake we make in seduction is being too nice. If you've been around the block a few times, you know exactly what he's talking about.

If you are married and want to stay married, this book is essential. I've been married five years and I use Greene's ideas every day, to keep the fire lit with my spouse. Read it, or listen on CD. You may realize you have more power over your objects of desire than you knew.

I just received a copy yesterday, so far its very good. The content is strong and sucks you in, its almost like reading a college text book on PUA stuff. But the unfortunate thing is that I found that it reads much like a college text book, that is 3 times smaller. The pages seem to be too cramped for the subject matter.

I SEDUCED THE LAST WOMEN WHO FELL FOR ME WITHOUT THE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF THIS BOOK... IT ONLY INCREASED/STRENGTHENED MY SKILLS/AWARENESS OF SEDUCTION.. THE WOMAN WHO FALLS FOR ME AGAIN.. LOL ... NEED I SAY ANYMORE... BUY IT...

Good information and very insightful- I was introduced to this book by a pick up artist. Interesting information on the psychology of how an individual responds to the influence of calculated actions and words. I think that this definitely will help me with my personal and professional interactions. I wish that I would have read this book when I was 18 years old.

This is an excellent book to own because it shows you how to interact with people better. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who's shy or maybe socially awkward. A lot of people aren't even aware of the social mistakes they make and wonder why not a lot of people will talk to them or hang around them. With this book, I've been able to talk to anyone I've wanted to and have made a lot of people talk to me and come after me. I've gained a lot of confidence which in turn has made me much more alluring. So like I've said before, this is definitely a book to have in your literary collection.

I suppose if you have a long flight (say, 10 days long) this is a good book to have along. But if your purpose is to learn as much as possible in as little time as possible, there are many better options out there. My personal favorite in this genre is The Zen of Meeting Women, which is both concise and practical. It will teach you all you want to know about meeting great women.

Although I love the general idea laid out in this book, its also not always easy to implement. You have to be really disciplined to live out your character to be that person you should resemble in order to get the man or woman you want. Worth a try if its worth the trouble.

But I do know of a friend who actually read the book, applied the techniques and bagged her man!

If you are intelligent and perceptive, you'll find this book a waste of time. Nothing that it purports to reveal is new... A lot of it reads like common sense. Some of it reads like cheap fiction. It is not a HOW TO book by any means, nor does it dig into the deeper levels of seduction. Finally, it insults the reader by its sheer lack of editorial attention. Chapter after chapter you'll find the same language, descriptions, assertions, etc. as if the author didn't bother to reread his whole manuscript and merely wrote out each chapter as separate essays. What you get is a repetitive, boring work that never quite convinces. I read almost to the end (80%) simply because I figure I should finish what I started, but even being so close to completion I gave it up- It became an annoying chore to go through the rest of this little cash cow.

The first few pages Greene's "The Art of Seduction" clearly show that the material never intended to have a moral backbone, and thus shouldn't be looked at as either good or evil. It is delightfully amoral and immoral, running that fine line between scandalous and hilarious, but hinged on a lot of real-world truth.

Heck, even the "voice" of the book seems to have come from some medieval mystic. Self-help this book isn't.

On its own merits, the book is well-written and structured, consistent with Greene's "48 Laws of Power." But is it a dangerous book? It could be in the hands of someone emotionally off-kilter, but then that's not the point of a book review.

I admit that I read this book with some scheming intents, but then it's really all for fun, and the book delivers fun in spades. I wouldn't have the nerve to apply anything this book suggests. But it does shed some light on whatever seduction efforts I've attempted to do in the past. Safe to say I'm a major klutz in that department.

When I first got involved with books of that kind, I was very skeptical. I couldn't think of a reason why I should read a book that told me what to do or how to act. Every person is different anyway and everyone have their own way to approach the other. I would recommend a book to seduce Sex and the Perfect Lover: Tao, Tantra, and the Kama Sutra

The book celebrates non-possessive intimacy, and describes the mindset that is the prerequisite to such an experience. I am struggling for words to express this, but it is as if there were more than one dimension to a relationship, a human bonding. We are used to relationships that are symetrical in time and depth: they are either shallow and brief, or they are deep and eternal. This is what differentiates this book from the tawdry. I found it to have a different morality than that which is instilled in us by convention. I also recommendI Love You. Now What?: Falling in Love is a Mystery, Keeping It Isn't:

Don't be put off the title and think this is a cheesy "how to date women" manual or "101 pick-up lines." This is another amazing book by Robert Greene about people and power. Like his previous book on the 48 laws of power, Greene treats the subject of seduction with the thoroughness of an academic, peppering his findings with multiple historical examples, but brings the reader's attention to the present with frequent stops for analysis. It is hard to tell if this book should be in the history or self-help sections.

The book covers what Greene postulates to be the 9 seducer types, of which each reader should be able to align themselves to one or two. Many humorous, literary and tragic historical examples are provided. He then explains the 18 types of "victims" or targets, with the main point being each type is missing one major thing in their life the seducer can fulfill. Again the reader is encouraged to find which type of "victim" they are so they can arm themselves against seducers...if they want to. By carefully crafting a text in which the reader can project themselves into the past, while learning about their true selves, and create imaginary strategies for future seduction...the author thoroughly seduces his readers.

The most famous and obvious seducers are brought to light in multiple chapters: Don Juan, Cleopatra, Casanova, Marilyn Monroe, Lord Byron, Marlene Dietrich, but the truly fascinating portraits are those of what you might call political or "PR" seducers: Charles DeGaulle, Mussolini, Zhou Enlai, Andy Warhol, Robespierre and Benjamin Disraeli.

The latter part of the book is about adopting and employing seductive techniques and strategies, again with frequent historical examples. Greene doesn't take a moralizing or "Machiavellian" tone, but much like that famous author makes the facts clear and plain as day. If you have a mission, whether it is romantic, political, or social- the rules (or art) of seduction, can be practiced and perfected by anyone with a playful spirit.

The only downside to the book becomes evident in the last part. While the historical examples and stories Greene provides are excellent, he starts to rely on the same references three, four, even five times over in some cases (Duke de Richelieu, Casanova.) While they are always supportive of his topic, it seems with the sheer volume of seduction literature he has mastered that he could have widened his examples a bit more. But this deficiency is more than made up for by the copious margin-space references and examples that are provided in the same "take it or leave it" style as seen in the 48 Laws of Power.
You will NOT be disappointed in this book, nor would anyone who received it as gift, that is unless, they mistook your generosity as an insult! So do as the seducer does- leave the book about, but partially hidden perhaps "carelessly," to tease and draw guests in and make them curious. Ha ha ha ha ha ha!

I couldn't stop reading this book. It gives state of the art instruction on how not to blow it in your interaction with the other sex and with people in general.

The author has undertaken an extreme amount of research since all the theory is backed up from a plethora of real stories in case study fashion. The stories are from different historical periods like ancient Japan and China, renaissance Europe and up to the 20th century US, etc. In my view customers that give this book bad reviews, are extremely conservative people and hypocrites.

The book shows you how to seduce a person or a group since a lot of the stories come from people like Kennedy, Evita Peron, Elvis, etc. It is also very helpful in calibrating your long term behavior. A lot of the stories are very moving and bring tears to your eyes. The book is also extremely well structured so you can peak the chapters you like to read most. There are a lot of philosophical concepts as well that one needs to digest.

One of the best books I ever read. It definitely makes you a better person, so people don't think you're intolerable and start to avoid you; but they never tell you why or what you do wrong. By reading this book you come to see 95% of your social behavior mistakes, and learn to see yourself as others see you

This book was written strictly for open-minded individuals. If you are so-called "set in your ways" of faith, logic, and perception, then this is not the book for you. However, this book is definitely a must buy for anyone who wants to know what seduction really is, and how it is and can be used as a weapon to take complete controll of someone's emotional spirit. It sounds really harsh I know, but this book can be used as a great defense mechanism to protect yourself against manipulative tactics used by other people as well.

There are history references in every chapter which can be a little over-kill at times. Other than a few unneccessary history stories, the history contained in the "Art of Seduction" is at best very interesting and informative. It explains the seductive tactics of Marylin Monroe, JFK, Cassanova, the enigmatic Cleopatra and many more who are considered the greatest seducers of their time. This book is a true psychological weapon. It contains things that you may already know, but explains them in depths in which you most probably cannot.

I would have given the book 5 stars if 65% was not made up of history lessons, and poetic romances (although most of them are really good). This book is absolutely amazing in its forwardness, and almost flawless in its honesty.

Greene's "The Art of Seduction" is a self-indulgent, marginally sadistic, and not-to-be-underestimated tome on the art of (sexual, social, & political) seduction. If you are expecting this book to be a trivial and inconsequential read - you are likely to be disappointed - as Greene thoroughly reviews all things seductive: the types of seducer (nine characters), the kinds of people most prone to seduction (18 characters), and, perhaps most importantly, the seductive process (24 maneuvers). This book, however, shouldn't be regarded as a seduction `how to' manual, but rather an illustration of successful seduction via the profiling of many of history's most successful seducers, e.g. Cleopatra, JFK, and Errol Flynn, among many others.

Greene initiates his discussion of the nine types of seducers by asserting - encouragingly, no less - that everyone is capable of seduction - it isn't a mystical skill reserved for the genetically well-endowed - but more an effort to identify what is inherently seductive about one's character then developing that quality within oneself. At least one - and likely more than one - of the nine types of seducers will speak to something seductive about your character, whether it be a naturally exuberant sexual energy (Siren), infectious adoration of the opposite sex (Rake), idealistic view on love (Ideal Lover), androgynous image (Dandy), uncommon spontaneity and openness (Natural), cool self-sufficiency (Coquette), ability to socially please (Charmer), unusual confidence (Charismatic), or the ability to cloak oneself in heavenly mystery (Star). Greene presents each character in the context of a well-known historical or fictional figure(s), the characteristic behavior of the respective type of seducer, followed by any potential dangers associated with each type of seducer. If you do not identify with any of the foregone seducer-types, however, one should - at a minimum - root out (or minimize) the one trait that all other anti-seductive traits stem from: insecurity. Although there are key differences among each of the nine types of seducers, it is imperative that the character you adopt - and develop - not deviate from seduction first principles: tact, style, and attention to detail.

The crux of the book is Greene's discussion of the 24 seductive maneuvers - too many to list and describe herein - albeit a couple warrant mention. First, "Choose the Right Victim", should be obvious since the `wrong' victim makes the entire seduction a pointless exercise. One should aim to identify victims "whom you can fill a void, who see in you something exotic." Another notable maneuver, "Master the Art of Insinuation", is a mechanism for preventing the victim from growing defensive - you drop elusive hints or ideas that, ideally, present themselves to the victim as their own ideas well-after they are insinuated. And most importantly, everything to be insinuated should be suggestive.

"The Art of Seduction" could, of course, be used to indulge and cultivate our basest and most unseemly of tendencies - and probably has - but in a throwback to Greene's other formidable work, "The 48 Laws of Power", this book affords one the knowledge and tools to seduce when necessary, that is, to exercise a power that comes from knowledge.

this book is truly wonderful it is worth reading just for the really interesting short stories within the real power of this book is in the application of the methods it teaches really powerfull stuff this book will give you a true insight to what sedution really is i look forward to reading more of Robert Greene`s work

This book is like a knife, you can use as an instrument or as a weapon. The intentions behind its usage is what really counts! You can use this knowledge to protect yourself or for creating greatness. On the other side you can use it for destruction. I consider this book an arsenal of WMD how you use it will make a difference. Remember the old saying, "What goes around, comes around!" Be careful that at the end the hunter can end up being the hunted!

Pretty disapointing, I was really looking forward to listening to this audio book since I don't have much time to sit and read. I'm sure the book must be much better. This audio version was more like a quick audio summery which really isn't what I thought I was paying for. Wish I could get my money back and buy the book.

FIRST AND FOR MOST, THIS AUDIO CD IS GREAT BUT NOT AS GOOD AS THE HARD COPY BOOK BECAUSE THE BOOK HAS MANY MORE DETAILS AND STORIES, YET THE AUDIO CD IS GREAT BECAUSE YOU COULD LISTEN TO IT IN A VERY SHORT TIME. THE SECRETS IN THIS BOOK COULD BE VERY CHARMING AND POWERFULL ONCE LEARNED AND MASTERED. STUDY THESE INFO, IT NOT ONLY MAKES YOU A GOOD SEDUCER BUT IT ALSO GIVES YOU TOOLS IN OTHER ARES OF LIFE SUCH AS SPEAKING, WRITING, DEALING WITH PEOPLE, AND BUILDING AN IMAGE. ENJOY!

First off...this book isn't like the book "The Game"...its more intelligent and can apply to both personal and business relationships. The Art of Seduction is just so insanely smart...loved it! I'm not a super fan of those 'how to' type of books so was very excited this was not one...plus I find motivation more fascinating! This book walks you through the various types of 'seducers' and then classic examples. The history behind famous seducers such as Marilyn Monroe and Casanova were not boring but entertaining. Who knew that Andy Warhol was such a stalker?!

When I received this book in the mail I was surprised at the size of it (nearly 500 pages). I was slightly concerned that such a large book (with such small font, as well) would not be able to maintain my interest, but after skimming into random pages, I found the writing quite engaging and interesting.

THE FIRST HALF OF THE BOOK:
is littered with anecdotes of historical figures engaged in the act of seduction or being seduced, from Cleopatra to Casanova, and more. Each anecdote is strategically placed to introduce a specific personality trait and to demonstrate its effect on the target. The author then breaks down the persona, explaining the reason for its appeal and the psychological effects it evokes. Finally, a "keys to the character" section provides a "what to do and what not to do" guide that I found myself using my hi-lighter pen quite alot on for future reference. The author encourages you choose the traits that are most appealing to you, to help you focus on emphasizing the seductive areas of your personality.

THE SECOND HALF OF THE BOOK:
follows the same physical structure as the first half, with historical anecdotes introducing key elements that are then broken down and psychologically explained. However, instead of explaining personality traits, the second half of the book focuses on step-by-step social interaction, from first meetings, to conversations, to sending mixed signals, and so on. Every chapter is analyzed in depth, providing the reader with a sound-enough understanding of romantic interaction so as to enable one to quite literally bring a target to follow you around like a child, or, if you want, to drive them wild with infatuation.

Overall, this book is great if you like learning, are interested in psychology, and want to develop a mastery of romantic social interaction. I highly disagree with those reviewers that call this book manipulative. Ignorance. Manipulation is to adjust the actions of another. This book focuses on adjusting your own actions to maximize your seductive appeal. Terrific book. I am very glad I bought it.

EXERPTS:
"Low self-esteem repels, confidence and self-sufficiency attract. The less you seem to need other people, the more likely others will be drawn to you. Understand the importance of this in all relationships and you will find your neediness easier to suppress. But do not confuse self-absorption with seductive narcissism. Talking endlessly about yourself is eminently anti-seductive, revealing not self-sufficiency but insecurity."

"People are inherently perverse. An easy conquest has a lower value than a difficult one; we are only really excited by what is denied us, by what we cannot possess in full. Your greatest power in seduction is your ability to turn away, to make others come after you, delaying their satisfaction."

"The way insinuation works is simple: disguised in a banal remark or encounter, a hint is dropped. It is about some emotional issue- a possible pleasure not yet attained, a lack of excitement in a person's life. The hint registers in the back of the target's mind, a subtle stab at his or her insecurities; its source is quickly forgotten. It is too subtle to be memorable at the time, and later, when it takes root and grows, it seems to have emerged naturally from the target's own mind, as if it was there all along."

It is a good read...i like greenes way of writing thats what drew me to this book.

This is a must read book if you want to understand seduction, control, influence etc. This is by far the best written book on the subject. But, its 800 pages long, so prepare to read a long story that demonstrates the seduction technique and then explains the hows and whys.

Good one. It provide you with a lot of good facts, so you can make good opinions about what's going on.

But for dating "starters" I recommend any easier book. That one can make you bored very soon.

PROS: This book is written in the same style just like all the others, lots of historical examples. I purchased the audio book and the reading voice is excellent, one of the best voices I have heard for an audio book. I am a huge fan of Robert Greene and like all the other books,(48 laws of power, 33 strategies of war).

CONS: Not for marketers or married people. I thought this book was about how to seduce prospects into buying your product - I was wrong. This book is really for single people and has various historical lessons on how to seduce the opposite/same sex. There is a part in the book about children which I found weird and quite frankly a little disturbing. As a professional marketer and married man, I only found small parts of this book useful. This book is my least favorite of the three by Robert Greene. I hope this review helps.


Caine

The book discusses ways on how to manipulate and emotionally torture a victim into believing they need you or want you. It's kinda evil. On top of that, there are stories of other people, that takes up 80% of the book. If I want to read about Casanova, I will take out a book about him.