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The Art of Seduction
 
 
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The Art of Seduction [Paperback]

Robert Greene (Author)
4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (253 customer reviews)

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The Art of Seduction + The 48 Laws of Power + The 33 Strategies of War (Joost Elffers Books)
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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.

Product Details

  • Paperback: 467 pages
  • Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (October 7, 2003)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0142001198
  • ISBN-13: 978-0142001196
  • Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (253 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #586 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
    #3 in  Books > Health, Mind & Body > Psychology & Counseling > Sexuality > Human
    #5 in  Books > History > Historical Study
    #1 in  Books > Health, Mind & Body > Psychology & Counseling > By Topic > Will

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Robert Greene
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253 Reviews
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628 of 884 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars Better the devil you know..., September 17, 2003
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.

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107 of 155 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars A Radical Psychological Expose, March 10, 2007
This review is from: The Art of Seduction (Paperback)
For romantic persuasion studies to treacherous seduction, Greene's historical tale here is a work of art. This is a sardonic, yet often profound view of the use of persuasion, influence and manipulation for personal benefit. This book is a synthesis of philosophy and psychology, and is paradigm breaking. Freud must have had a similar unnerving effect on his contemporaries when he discussed premises for behavior that were previously not part of social discourse. The author expands his global metaphor of "life as war" from his book the 48 Laws of Power into love and spirituality. This piece may be the most effective tool in today's culture, but it certainly is an interesting study. Numerous conflict and struggle analysis, and subliminal persuasion techniques to exploit situations.

The first half of the book identifies a number of infamous seductive characters over the centuries, and identifies the unique characteristics of each personality. The second half describes the seduction techniques they used, and the likely personality types they would most effectually be used against.

For the modern Casanova, Greene's seduction stories are a bit dated and chivalrous to translate into a modern day pick up artist, but highlights how the great seducer's of the past used their persuasion and charms to their advantage.

As far as the modern era, a comparable effective book for sexual influence, toying and subconscious steering of ones emotions to lure in women, I suggest The Professional Bachelor Dating Guide - How to Exploit Her Inner Psycho.

Besides being a great comedy, it encompasses very effective persuasion tactics and NLP to seduce the subconscious of each of a dozen personality types, who, let's be realistic, want to be seduced, or they wouldn't allow it to happen.
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118 of 172 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Seduce Anyone, November 11, 2002
This review is from: The Art of Seduction (Hardcover)
This is the best book on seduction ever! Some reviewers argue that Greene doesn't make the seductive process clear enough and that these tactics will not work in every situation. Well, you can't seduce everyone, but I find that whether you suceed or fail usually depends on your observation skills and on how well you implement the tactics. You have to be innovative. No one book can tell you how to seduce every single person in every single situation. For example, one reviewer said that these tactics will not help you seduce someone you're already friends with. Yes you can--I've done it twice! The key is getting the person to see you in a new light:
Step 1. Put distance between you and your target. Don't tell her you're distancing yourself, just do it! If your friend likes you she will miss you. If she was just saying "Let's be friends" and doesn't care for you at all, she'll still feel your absence because your loss of interest will wound her ego--that's important.
Step 2. Be different. Alter your appearance, make friends with new types of people, sculpt your body, develop new interests, and date as many people as you can. Try to date only those who are at least as attractive as your target, otherwise she'll look down on you.
Step 3. Reintroduce yourself to your target. Don't approach her directly. It's important that she now come to you. If you haven't talked to her in a while, she may have forgotten about you. That's not necessarily a bad thing--maybe the old you was forgettable. But it's a good idea to have maintained an indirect connection with your girl. Maybe you are an aquaintance of one of her friends. Chat with that person occasionally (Don't mention the friend you'll be seducing!) and that person will probably give your target updates about you. Or maybe you work in the same office or have the same circle of friends. In that case, she can witness changes in you first hand. Remember, however, that if you have to see your target regularly it is all the more important to maintain an emotional distance until you're ready for the seduction to really begin. If your girl suspects that you're improving yourself for her or that you're trying to make her jealous, all your hard work will be destroyed.
Now you can reintroduce yourself in one of several ways:
a) Haunt her periphery by attending the places she attends without taking much notice of her, making her come to you.
b) Play the "coquette," seeming interested then disinterested, interested then disinterested.
c) arrange a "chance" meeting. I like this one.
d) befriend or date a friend of hers.

Once she starts to think she didn't know you as well as she thought she did and displays a little interest in the new you, you can start over again and use the tactics in Greene's book. Greene's book never outlined how to seduce someone you've been friends with for a long time. I devised this strategy based on the tactics outlined in "The Art of Seduction." Like I said, it's work twice for me. The first friend became so enamoured that I had to break up with her after only a few weeks. She was smothering me! But I am still dating the second girl and it's great. If you balk at the idea of doing all this just to win someone over, consider that she may not be worth winning over after all, or that you might not be much of a Casanova. But I think that all this effort will actually make you a better man (or woman since this strategy should work on a guy too.) Happy hunting!

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

1.0 out of 5 stars $17 for a kindle edition???
Havent read this book because it's $17 on kindle... Are these people on crack?
Buying it on paperback is cheaper... under $11
Published 24 days ago by Nicole

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book
This is a great book, but be careful when reading it. The Art Of Seduction gives a great insight on relationships, and if your not careful you could find yourself using some of... Read more
Published 25 days ago by Talib

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
I love this book. Another masterpiece! It's not a book you want to read quickly. You have to "savor" each and every page/concept. He is an author I find truly amazing.
Published 2 months ago by Kim / Chicago girl

1.0 out of 5 stars The Devil Can Site Scripture For His Purposes--and history
" I use the word amoral to describe them, as opposed to immoral," author Robert Greene stated in an interview about his international bestsellers. Read more
Published 2 months ago by J. Carpenter

5.0 out of 5 stars Should have read this when I was younger
This is a book that should not be taken lightly. It's brutal in it's honesty and the methods are tried and true. To seduce, is to chance, corner and conquer. Read more
Published 3 months ago by LA-Radio Ken

1.0 out of 5 stars Great if you have no morals
I got this book when it first came out 6 years ago. I used it to seduce the guy who was blowing me off at the time. It worked, but at what end. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Lorriger rogerson

1.0 out of 5 stars The Science of a Sexual Predator
This book was funny. Except I don't think it was supposed to be. It steals from many spiritual doctrines and set's out to self self serve, all while ignoring it's godly agreement... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Jerzy Czartoryski

5.0 out of 5 stars The psychology behind seduction
This is a long book, it's small print, it's wordy... it's an amazing piece of non-fiction. This book basically breaks down the actual psychology and principles of seduction... Read more
Published 6 months ago by D. Utigard

5.0 out of 5 stars Abstract but profound
The book can either pique the interest of the meandering intellectual/historian or, quite contrarily, the man on the street looking to acquire the ever elusive edge. Read more
Published 7 months ago by N. Allen

4.0 out of 5 stars Dangerous in the wrong hands but Useful in the right ones
This is an interesting book. However it's one of those books one has to be careful with, in the wrong hands this is almost a psychological manual for seduction, in the right ones... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Karam Khan

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