This is a book for those who are interested in many of the ways in which the female form can be portrayed photographically. I would not call it particularly 'erotic', even though the women who have modelled for the many distinguished photographers are undeniably beautiful. The book would be a superb source book for students and more accomplished photographers, in that it shows the multitude of poses and scenarios which can be utilised for the demonstration of female beauty, but the fact that most people of both sexes would agree that most women can be seen as objects of beauty begs the question of 'Why have these particular examples been selected here?'. Eroticism is very hard to define. Nudity is not necessarily erotic. Eroticism seems to relate to the extent that an image arouses the viewer, and this depends as much on the scenario and its implications of sexual activity. In this volume, large and magnificent though it certainly is, I did not find even attempts at arousal. Beauty, yes; erotic appeal, only sparingly. The book certainly showcases some superb photographic artists, and to some extent this might be considered enough. It is, however, superbly produced, and of an ideal size and quality for enjoyable browsing. ( )