Concise Art of Seduction [Paperback]

Robert Greene (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 4, 2003

This is the companion book to the bestselling "Concise 48 Laws of Power". Amoral, ruthless, clever and cunning, this is the essential guide to the art of seduction.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'What Greene does so masterfully is take us on a fascinating trip into the psyches of the great seducers and offer a wealth of strategies for those who might like to dabble in the murky waters of manipulation themselves. One by one he exposes the techniques of behaviour control used by and against all of us in every area of our lives from business to bedroom. But it is when he explores the scheming psyche of the sexual predator that he is at his most compelling.' - Daily Mail 'It unearths the two sides of seduction: the characters and the process. The book prepares you for the ultimate seduction: your boss.' - Fran Cutler, the Daily Express

About the Author

Robert Greene, author of The 48 Laws of Power and The Art of Seduction (both from Profile), has a degree in Classical Studies and has been an editor at Esquire and other magazines. He is also a playwright and lives in Los Angeles. Click here for his website.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Profile Books (September 4, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1861976410
• ISBN-13: 978-1861976413
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #85,843 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Best-selling author and public speaker, Robert Greene was born in Los Angeles. He attended U.C. California at Berkeley and the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where he received a degree in classical studies. He has worked in New York as an editor and writer at several magazines, including Esquire; and in Hollywood as a story developer and writer.

Greene has lived in London, Paris and Barcelona; he speaks several languages and has worked as a translator. In 1995 he was involved in the planning and creation of the art school Fabrica, outside Venice, Italy. There he met Joost Elffers, the New York book packager and discussed with him his idea for a book on power and manipulation, the ultimate modern version of Machiavelli's The Prince.
Greene and Elffers became partners and in 1998, The 48 Laws of Power was born. The book has been a national and international bestseller, and has been translated into 17 languages. In 2001, Greene's second book, The Art of Seduction, is more than a sequel to The 48 Laws; it is both a handbook on how to wield the ultimate form of power, and a detailed look at the greatest seducers in history.

The third in this highly anticipated series of books, The 33 Strategies of War, hit bookstores January 2006 and offers a strategic look behind the movements of War in application to everyday life. In addition to having a strong following within the business world and a deep following in Washington, DC, these books are also being hailed by everyone from war historians to some of the heaviest hitters in the rap world (including Jay-Z and 50 Cent).
The popularity of these books along with their vast and fiercely loyal audience proves these are profound, timeless lessons from historical leaders that still ring true in todays culture. Robert Greene currently lives in Los Angeles.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Seduction" isn't just about sex - and maybe not at all., May 8, 2006

By 

Billy D Squires BillyDSquires "Leave Me Alone... (Wyoming USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Concise Art of Seduction (Paperback)

If you're getting this book as a way to manipulate strangers to go to bed with you, you don't need this book. You need something else.

On the other hand once you realize and accept the broader meaning of "seduction," which is to lead, guide, direct, influence another individual or individuals to willingly go along with your wishes, whether benevolent or not, this is your book.

For my part, I actually recognized the techniques people who manipluated me for years in the music business. People who seemed to work magic on me and my companions to get us to do things and perform for less than we should have and be glad to accept a gig that none of us wanted, etc etc. How'd they DO that? Now I know.

How does a national leader seduce his country into going to war? How does a cult leader seduce his or her followers into giving up good jobs, careers and wonderful familes in order to live under the rule of a boundless ego? How can a corporation be seduced? A community? A church? How can YOU be seduced? It's all laid bare in this book.

The Concise Art of Seduction is a Readers Digest of the full volume, which I also have. This one is a quicker read, which means you can began putting up your defenses NOW against that boss, manager, spouse(!) or whomever, and start seeing through the emperor's clothes of manipulation and seduction. You'll seem to have wisdom beyond your years, and will be able to protect yourself from the kind of victimization that takes in millions of otherwise intelligent but hapless people each day in our society. That's all I have to say about that.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars masterpiece!, June 11, 2006

By 

J.Nader "float" (LA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Concise Art of Seduction (Paperback)

Believe what you will, but seduction is a traumatic artform. It is in every way the same as war! You must be crafty, charismatic, and patient. Above all, you have to recognize the certain aspects of a person's character and be able to apply the laws taught in this book. Critics may not like the way the author uses the "war-like" metaphors, but it is all true. "All is fair in love and war" applies also to seduction.

This book is a great read and is also very true. Anyone who reads it WILL recognize some of the tactics in this book. You may have been seduced by someone using them, or have used them yourself. Either way, the book breaks down why they are so successfull and shows not only why they work, but also any reversal's that can be used against you. Read it with an open mind and see for yourself how the basic psychology of seduction can be used in everyday life. GET THE BOOK!

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Advanced seduction for the bold: how to persuade every time, September 18, 2006

By 

Rolf Dobelli "getAbstract" (Switzerland) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Concise Art of Seduction (Paperback)

As is only appropriate, this small volume is sleek and appealing, with a glossy cover that draws the eye. It begs to be opened. Go ahead - the reward is a bonbon box full of clever diversions that might be handy if you use them right, a bit naughty if you don't, and even slyly humorous if you catch the whiff of satire. The text is broken into small - dare one say it, intimate? - morsels that you can read in stolen snatches of time. Author Robert Greene's observations on how to seduce (that is, persuade) are bordered with quotations from authors, philosophers and lovers, all offering entertaining support. However, potential seducers should note two key points. First, while Greene delivers his advice in terms of sexual seduction, if you are careful and interpretative, you may be able to apply pieces of it to general persuasion, including in business. On the downside, many of his techniques are pointedly sexy, over-the-top, amoral or manipulative. We thus recommend this book to those who study human nature for its own sake and for fun; those who will apply or modify any techniques to attain power over others; or those with the self-discipline to glean the gems, but turn away from taking unethical or illegal advantage.