The Art of Seduction (Paperback)

~ (Author) "We all have the power of attraction-the ability to draw people in and hold them in our thrall..." (more)
Key Phrases: physical lures, soft seduction, greatest seducers, Pei Pu, New York, The Art of Seduction (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Touted as a "handbook on the most subtle and effective form of power" and "an indispensable primer on how to take what you want from whomever you want," this book is more than a little creepy. Following on the heels of his 48 Laws of Power, this book continues Greene's gross exploration of social power, this time in the realm of sexual politics. In Part 1, Greene, again paired with "packager" Joost Elffers (Play with Your Food), offers a straight-faced description of the nine types of seductive character, from the "Ideal Lover" to the "Rake." Elffers's contribution comes in the form of numerous quotes by famous contemporary and historical figures tucked into the side margins. Part 2 examines the process of seduction, subdivided into four phases, with chapter headings such as "Master the Art of Insinuation" and "Isolate the Victim." This book will have real appeal for power mongers, gold diggers, and heartless manipulators everywhere. Books such as Beverley East's Finding Mr. Write (LJ 5/1/00) and Jama Clark's What the Hell Do Women Really Want? (Island Flower, 1997) offer advice on the same subject without the distasteful exploitative emphasis. David Valencia, King Cty. Lib. Syst., WA
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Greene is the author of The 48 Laws of Power (1998), a compilation of quotes from throughout history that prescribe methods of obtaining and wielding power. He now adds seduction to the mix of stratagems for those who feel the need to scheme to get what they want. Given the popularity of so-called reality-based television programs, it is clear there is a large audience of such people. Greene, again providing quotes on his topic from philosophers, scientists, playwrights, and novelists, examines "the achievements of the greatest seducers throughout history" and profiles 10 seductive archetypes. Although the tactics Greene advises may be distasteful to some, his literary survey is fascinating. As was Greene's previous work, this one is billed as "A Joost Elffers Production." Elffers is identified--with no hint of embarrassment--as a book "packager." A "quote" from a Newsweek review of The 48 Laws is used to hype the new book, though the actual article in which the quote appeared challenged Greene's credentials as an editor and playwright and offered only lukewarm praise. David Rouse
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 468 pages
• Publisher: Profile Books Ltd (April 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1861977697
• ISBN-13: 978-1861977694
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (245 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #453,233 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

579 of 714 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Better the devil you know..., September 17, 2003

By	C. Middleton (Australia) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Art of Seduction (Hardcover)

This unusual text can be viewed from many points of view. On one level, the author's intentions are at best quite disturbing, because the texts theme has definite anti-social undertones. Deception, manipulation, exploitation of peoples weaknesses to achieve selfish ends has no moralistic value whatsoever; in fact the whole idea of preying on a 'victims' weaknesses in order to position them within your power, to then sexually dominate and influence them to your wiles and wishes, is a deplorable concept anyway you view it. Then again, from another perspective, the numerous techniques of seduction that Green instructs the reader on, supplying a plethora of examples from history and Western and Eastern literature, can teach us to be wary, or at least aware of certain individuals unscrupulous methods to attain what they desire. As the old saying goes, "Better the devil you know, than the one you don't."

The lessons on seduction, at bottom, can really only work if one's targeted victim has some weakness or vulnerability of character. (Green warns to stay away from confident, grounded individuals) Through subtly stalking your intended victim, listening to their every word, stroking their ego, thus discovering their weakness, you can then supply the necessary requirement, whether it be excitement, adventure, danger, loving parenting, add a little time and patience, your victim will eventually fall under your spell. This particular strategy of discovering weakness, focusing on needs, and appealing to an individual's ego, is as old as the pyramids themselves. What's interesting, however, is that this strategy works and continues to be used by individuals and organizations everywhere - but we continue to fall for the scam. And do not be fooled by Green's language and impressive erudite examples from the great works of literature - a scam is a scam no matter how you communicate it.

The text itself is a play on seduction. Green uses the two most seductive and sought after aspects of our existence to reel us into his tutorial: sex and power. None of us want to be victims, in fact we all want to dominate, be the winners, gratify our base and exalted desires. Do you want to unknowingly be seduced or be the seducer? The answer, of course, is evident. Green knows this and uses this strategy by proposing that he can give us an edge, supplying the means to attain our every desire.

In the end, after reading this text from cover to cover, I asked myself the question, what did I learn? What I learned is that certain individuals and organizations will go to any lengths, ethically or otherwise, to dominate others and get what they want. All things considered, it is better to know than to not know, no matter how unsavoury the subject matter.

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Novel, Manual, A Work of Art, November 26, 2002

By	"kltr" (Singapore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Seduction (Hardcover)

Seduction is an art, a beautiful art: exhilarating, enrapturing, addictive. For the uninitiated, beware, stepping through the door of seduction is ensnaring. Enter and there will be no return.

The Art of Seduction is a masterful study of this art, and a work of art itself. It is a collection of stories and an academic survey of the history, psychology and technique of seduction: not just seduction of the opposite sex, but the seduction of people, the seduction of the masses.

Note, however, that the inexperienced will get little understanding of the art just by reading this book. Seduction is a skill, a skill to learn, to hone, and to grow with. The art of seduction is about developing yourself as a person, and equipping yourself with the ability to charm, to attract, to confuse, to deceive, to please, to pleasure, to indulge, to love.

In your journey as a seducer, supplement this book with others. The Art of Seduction is full of insightful theory and abstraction, and will help the more experienced see the bigger picture, fit apparently disparate parts together, and develop as a holistic seducer. For slightly more specific (and simple) techniques of seduction, first try other books like "Make Women Want You" and "How to Win Friends and Influence People". A continuous interplay in the study of the abstract and the specific will help you see both the birds eye view and understand the subtle nuances at the same time - both crucial to your success as a seducer.

Also, do not forget practice. Practice is as crucial as study. Without one, the other is useless. Just like the chicken and the egg, neither can exist without the other. Expect to try, succeed and fail, and yet with each failure to grow.

A stern warning to all: the ability to seduce is seductive in itself. Do not begin at all if you are not serious about it, for there are no bounds to the Art of Seduction.

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars magical, November 5, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Art of Seduction (Hardcover)

I finished this book in 1 weekend. If you have appreciation for classic literature, story-telling, insight into human psychology, and the dynamtics of men v.s.women, love v.s. lust, you are in for a wild ride. This book covers certain concepts and ideas that you have probably been exposed to throughout your life, however the eloquent and exotic stories the author had woven into each chapters make his arguements potent and intoxicating. Even if you do not agree with the methods/tricks this book offers, you will still enjoy reading about it.