The earliest English translations of the classic Arabian Nights collection of Middle Eastern literature were scholarly but prudish, in keeping with18th century British mores that edited out erotic art work and content. However, Richard Burton changed this by not only adding this literary content back in, but also exaggerating it, as he produced extensive notes on such matters as homosexuality, bestiality and castration.

The first edition of Burton's translation was published for subscribers only so as to lessen the danger of being prosecuted for obscenity, and it had no pictures. But soon after his death in 1890, a young friend and admirer of Burton, Albert Letchford, produced 70 paintings that served as the basis for illustrations in a new edition that was published in 1897. These illustrations frequently featured nudes, as well as weird demons and temples.

The Mercer Museum in Pennsylvania is featuring a new exhibit designed for adults called "The Private Parts of Victorian Sexuality, Part II: Art, Literature and a Bit of Romance". This exhibit, which is the second part of an experimental series on Victorian sexuality, offers an educational look into the erotic art and literature that was created during the period as a rebellion against the rigid Victorian norms and concepts of virtue.

This instalment puts the spotlight on the highly developed art-form of Victorian flirtation. There will be a special guest lecture from Susana Mayer, an expert in the field, along with light refreshments at the opening ceremony on February 17th. There will also be a third and final instalment of this series in May, entitled "Culture of the Corset".

Surrender to Sasha White's sensual world, where red-hot passions simmer. After fifteen years as a bartender she's decided the stories in her head need to be put down for other people to enjoy as well. Gifted with a scandalous imagination, Sasha White's brand of Romance with Heat and Erotica with Heart is all about sassy women and sexy men. With a voice that is called "distinctive and delicious" by The Romance Studio. Sasha White has published over twenty erotic stories, published in print or electronically, with many more to come, in genres such as contemporary, paranormal, suspense and science fiction and is going strong. Sasha's first single title novel with Berkley, "Bound" has been called "the best sort of erotica for an erotic romance fan".

She loves to hear from readers and chat with everybody so drop by her website at www.sashawhite.net and leave a comment on her blog. She can be found there most afternoons.