[BURTON, Richard Francis, Sir (1821-1890), translator]. A group of 5 works published by the Kama Shastra Society, comprising:

[BURTON and Forster Fitzgerald ARBUTHNOT, translators]. The Kama Sutra of Vatsyayana. Cosmopoli, 1883 [but 1885]. Second edition, second reprint. Penzer, pp. 163-166; Spink 84. -- [BURTON and ARBUTHNOT, translators]. Ananga-Ranga; (Stage of the Bodiless One) or, The Hindu Art of Love. (Ars Amoris Indica.) Translated from the Sanskrit, and Annotated by A.F.F. & B.F.R. Cosmopoli, 1885. Second reprint, with “Oh songster sweet begin the lay” on p. xii and a watermark on pp.110 and 140. Penzer, pp. 171-173; Spink 85. -- [BURTON, translator]. The Perfumed Garden of the Cheikh Nefzaoui a Manual of Arabian Erotology (XVI. Century). Cosmopoli, 1886. Second edition. Penzer, pp. 173-174; Spink 88 (“RARE”). -- [BURTON, editor]. The Behâristân (Abode of Spring) By Jâmi. Edward Rehatsek, translator. Benares [but England], 1887. FIRST EDITION. Penzer, p. 177; Spink 90. -- [BURTON, notes]. The Gulistân or Rose Garden of Sa'di. Edward Rehatsek (1819-1891), translator. Benares [but England], 1888. FIRST ISSUE, with the date gilt-lettered on the spine. Penzer, p. 177. -- Together, 5 works in 5 volumes, all published by the Kama Shastra Society for private circulation or subscribers only, all 8vo, all in original vellum, sides gilt-ruled or blind-ruled, all with beveled edges, all spines gilt-lettered, all uncut, condition generally good (internally there is some minor toning or soiling, and the bindings have some hinges and spines starting).

To avoid breaking the Obscene Publications Act of 1857 while printing works of an erotic nature, Burton and his friend Arbuthnot formed the Kama Shastra Society.

Property from the Collection of Robert S. Brown, Cincinnati, Ohio