Not really an essay on criticism at all, this article is a witty and enlightened plea for a serious criticism of erotic literature based on established fact, not on the usual fantasy perpetuated in the tradition of erotic writing. In particular, Purdy makes the point that all erotic literature, whether Indian, Chinese, or Western, is male-dominated and that as a result of this fact, it is necessary to be sceptical not only of the psychology and physiology of women in these works, but of that of men as well. The author makes no reference to psychoanalysis, but it is clear that psychoanalysis is one of several intellectual trends that may help to lead to the factual, informed criticism of erotic literature for which he is pleading. The article is interesting and readable though slight.