I found this book to be easy to read and full of excellent information. According to the book's jacket, the author, Dr. Andrew Yorke, is an expert on sexual and marital relationships. He takes his knowledge of the human anatomy and years of marital counseling, and strives to help readers better understand their partner through the use of massage. "The New Art of Erotic Massage" takes readers through a short course on giving and receiving sensual and erotic massage.

The author begins by evoking the question of why massage is important. He explains how relationships can benefit from sensual and erotic massage. One important point is that massage is not goal-oriented, but instead, "the sole aim of giving or receiving a massage is pleasure for its own sake". With this, comes the need to explain the two forms of massage: sensual and erotic. Sensual massage is used to relax, not stimulate. In this form, genitalia are off-limits. When a woman is receiving, the soft tissue of the breasts are also prohibited. Sensual massage, in theory, should never lead to sex, according to Dr. Yorke. Erotic massage, however, is used to arouse and may be used as a tool in the foreplay toolbox. The author shows massage techniques for both forms of massage, but does not go into details regarding oral sex. He states that there are a plethora of other books covering that topic.

The photographic illustrations in this book are well-done, tasteful, and add to the learning process. For visual learners such as myself, the illustrations take the written material and put it in a way that we can absorb. Seeing the hands massage the various muscle groups reinforced the lesson.

The book is divided into five sections. Dr. Yorke begins with the introduction to massage, preparations such as setting the mood, precautions, giving and receiving, and what you will need. Next is the basic strokes and techniques. One technique is percussion, which is rarely used by anyone other than professionals. The third section is the meat and potatoes of massage: how to give a basic sensual massage on various muscle groups. Spinal stretching is touched upon, as well as the often-neglected feet. In section four, the author moves into the joy of erotic massage. This includes lessons on the erogenous zones, setting the scene, and erotic things to do. Finally, the book concludes with natural therapies.

After reading the book cover-to-cover, which can easily be done in one or two sessions, I put my newly-formed knowledge to use. I began with the sensual massage, allowing my partner to relax after a long day of errand-running. Her muscles are often tight, so I went from muscle group to muscle group, applying Dr. Yorke's techniques in the speed and manner prescribed. I quietly watched my partner's facial expressions and body movements. She was enjoyed it whole-heartedly. What were formerly short, sloppy, amateur massage sessions transformed into an extended, semi-professional, successful period of bonding and communicating (verbal and non-verbal). The communication between the giving and receiving partners is critical for successful massage, as each persons' likes and dislikes vary. What may be pleasing to one person is painful to another. Upon completion of the sensual massage, I asked if she would like to move to the erotic massage. She practically screamed "yes" in anticipation.

I progressed to the erotic massage, allowing her to be bathed in pleasure. With each stroke, she moaned and squealed in delight. Cunnilingus was not even necessary, as she was ready to go full-tilt. It had been so long since she felt so loved, so pleased, and so turned-on that she could hardly contain herself. I smiled from start to finish, feeling like a confident partner for the first time in a long time. "The New Art of Erotic Massage" pleased both my partner and I, and we both recommend it to every couple.

The only drawback of this book that I found was a lack of wrist or hand exercises. Although the techniques discussed in this book increased the time I can give a massage before wrist or hand discomfort, I still encounter difficulties that could be improved by the use of exercises.

This book never fails to teach me something new, or expound upon a learned technique, with each read. The large photos, along with great written details, can help anyone learn good massage techniques.