Beauty and the East: Book of Oriental Body Care Saqi Books ( September, 1997 ) Book Our Price : £ 14.95 Prices subject to change. usually dispatched within 24 hours.

how to look unnaturally beautiful.. naturally

This book is (almost)unspeakably lovely. The contents match the title perfectly. A combination of social commentary, aesthetic wallowing and how to look gorgeous - top tips, the author has addressed the heartfelt yearnings inspired by reading the title. Pretty much every romantic image conjured up by the Middle East is here; presented in a fresh, wholesome and well researched way. The book opens with an in depth look at the experience of steam baths and the Islamic perspective and then moves on to the nitty gritty of the body beautiful. The chapters cover cleansing, fragrance, massage, the protective mask (cosmetics), hair and ambience and celebration. Periodically throughout the book, the benefits of a particular plant or natural product are highlighted: pages covering the beautifying properties of lemons, olives, roses and oranges. Other items covered include: baby massage, kohl, dead sea mud, remedies for minor ailments, sandalwood and frankincense, dance, perfuming and dressing the hair .. and the erotic arts. Persian and Arab methods of depilation - sugaring as a social event - and you can eat the lemon/sugar mixture that you dont use. I tried it and its not bad at all. Cedarwood and myrrh; body designs; Persian New Year (Norouz). If there is one criticism of the book it is perhaps that it is too unctuously flowery to leave lying about before the sensually profane and macho. But as a celebration of femininity, the book is rock solid and I love it.

East meets West on the Patpong Road

« Hello my Big Big Honey » seeks to shed light on the mystery of the « romantic » relationships which can spring up between Bangkoks bar girls and their farang (foreign) sex-tourist customers, sometimes even leading to marriage. For me, however, the letters at the centre of this book were paradoxically the least interesting part of it. Unwittingly amusing at times, but flat and repetitive with their endless mantra of « I love you, I miss you, heres the money/sorry I cant send you any money », the missives from the deluded and besotted farangs to the girls they left behind quickly blend into one. The depth of their delusion becomes clear from the interviews with the girls. Money is the motor for these largely uneducated women from poor rural backgrounds who often have parents and siblings to support - and sometimes a Thai husband as well. The phenomenon they describe is fascinating, however, and the sections surrounding the letters make the book well worth reading. Walkers preface gives the background to the bar culture, Ehrlichs raunchy introduction sets the scene and Dr Yos Santasombat from Bangkok University analyses the sociological differences between prostitution east and west. The book concludes with a set of revealing interviews with bar owners (including some rather unorthodox advice on avoiding disease!) and an epilogue by Mrs Tantrakul, translator of many letters, and unofficial advisor to the girls who ponders on the future of those who do marry and leave.

This book is an invaluable Accompaniment for all Golfers

This golf log & diary is an excellent find, and a must-have for all those participating in the sport. As a keen golfer, I was recommended the 2004 edition by a friend and have since bought 12 copies, as it is also the answer to all my Christmas-present problems!! Particularly love the brilliant and inspiring golf tips from all the experts-drills which will really help you improve your game, Top 100 Courses Guide, PGA Tour Schedule, and all the other extras. I would recommend this Golf Log & Diary to every golfer on the planet. Brilliant value for money.