Foreword and Introduction Summary and Analysis

This book, written in 1957, places both eroticism (an experience of sexual stimulation) and death at the core of fundamental human experience. Examining both within the thematic context of what society defines as "taboo", the author explores themes relating to the necessity and meaning of transgressing such taboos, as well as the existential tension between continuity (union) and discontinuity (separation).

Foreword - The author writes of his intention to examine the question of eroticism and its relation to the human experience from a non-scientific perspective—that is, how it relates emotionally and spiritually (as opposed to intellectually) to other aspects of being human, particularly the commonly felt fear associated with giving in to sensual experience. He also relates his intention to explore eroticism and its connection with "Christian religious experience".

Introduction - Here the author presents and...