As the introduction explains: "the purpose of this book is to discuss the paradoxes inherent in Western attitudes to the image of the nude or naked male" although Lucie-Smith goes on to say that he will be taking a look at the attitudes of other cultures to the male nude. The author then expounds his thoughts through the subsequent nine chapters looking at the male nude from early times to the present day. The writing is intelligent and informative as one would expect from such an authority as Edward Lucie-Smith.

The book is lavishly illustrates throughout with around 100 full-colour and well over 60 mono or duo-tones. Many of the pictures are full-page and some double-page. They include painting, drawing, sculpture and pottery, and photography, some subtle others blatantly provocative. However while the illustrations are well captioned and usually accompanied by a brief comment, their seems to be little direct relationship between them and the text, many artists mentioned in the text are not illustrated, and many illustrated are not mentioned in the text; it as if there are two separate books here.

The artists illustrated include David Hockney, Michael Leonard, Andy Warhol, Gilbert and George, Lucien Freud, De Chirico, Picasso, Delmas Howe, Tom of Finland, Tom Binachi, Roberto Rincon, Tony Butcher and many more - but for example no Robert Mapplethorpe who is mention in the text.

Adam, the Male Figure in Art make an interesting read, and an equally interesting visual experience, it is unfortunate that there is little relationship between the two other than the subject matter. ( )