Beauty and the East: A Book of Oriental Body Care (Paperback)

by Wendy Buonaventura (Author), Isobel Eady (Illustrator) "I have a small block of amber which I keep in a pot by the side of my bed..." (more)
Key Phrases: Middle East, Saudi Arabia, The Protective Mask (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This fascinating story of body care and the creation of sensual ambiance focuses on customs practiced in the Middle East, Africa, and India and takes a humorous look at the often converse attitudes toward the body prevailing in the West.

Ancient books of the East are full of the language of and lore of sensuality. They praise women's beauty and speak with a bawdy humor about the erotic arts, which included poetry, dance and rituals of beautification. In the Middle East, for example, a visit to the steam baths took the entire day and was used as an excuse for festivities, with female dancers and musicians to entertain.

Elaborate rituals of beauty and the creation of a sensual environment are by no means a thing of the past. Today, in the most modest homes, incense is still burned to create a soothing atmosphere and guests' hands are sprinkled with rosewater as a sign of welcome. The therapeutic use of essential oils, massage, henna for the hair, kohl for the eyes are some of the customs enjoying increased popularity in the West. Yet there are many other body care methods using natural substances which have great appeal today-especially when many women are abandoning synthetic and expensive products in favor of effective alternatives that do not harm the environment.

A potpourri of practical information and delightful stories, the book includes extracts from poetry and literature and is illustrated throughout with original sketches and line drawings.

About the Author
Wendy Buonaventura is a dancer and writer. She is the author of the highly acclaimed Serpent of the Nile: Women and Dance in the Arab World.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Interlink Publishing Group (November 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1566563879
• ISBN-13: 978-1566563871
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,149,230 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful and Sensual Look at Beauty Rituals, January 15, 2002

By	Wendy A. B. Whipple (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The title might be a bit misleading, since many people might think Asia/Far East when they read "Oriental." This book includes Egypt, Greece, Iran, Turkey, India, Lebanon and more, presenting a rich cultural feast for beauty and body care rituals.

Some of the ideas presented may not appeal to the average reader, but for the woman who is interested in making her own potions and lotions, this is a fascinating book! Written by Wendy Buonaventura (who also brought us "The Serpent of the Nile") in a very readable and engaging style. If her photo on the back is any indication, this book has terrific information. : )

This book takes some of the *work* out of a beauty routine, and makes it a more sensual experience that many Western women should appreciate. Slow down: take the time you crave to primp, languish in a scented bath instead of rushing through a 10 minute shower. Curl up with this book, and rejoice in being a woman, with our mysteries and our power, and dance through life.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good info, April 7, 2004

By	Lilac Frost (The world) - See all my reviews

Its a good book to have for the person feeling creative and inclined to take the time and patience to do some of the things in the book. Its also a really good ref book for the person who's just curious in general about this subject. I haven't tried making anything from scratch, but I did enjoy learning about the different methods and uses written about in the book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For the long soothing just for me day, January 24, 2006

By	S. Pernsley "laamara" (Nashville, TN United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

One, I am ready for a Turkish bath. Two, this is a wonderful book to have for when you have a day to yourself and you want to do a home pampering. I recommend this highly just for the stories the author has to say on Middle Eastern body and spiritual care.