The Game: Undercover in the Secret Society of Pick-up Artists [Hardcover]

Is it for real? Is The Game by Neill Strauss an assiduously detailed, highly entertaining exposé of a fascinating secret society -- the international community of pickup artists who have refined their talents for getting women into bed to the nth degree? Or is it an extremely funny hoax? Early drafts of the book had people wondering, and men in particular speculated if the book would deliver some valuable ‘how to’ tips as an aid to entering a sexual wonderland. In fact, it doesn't really matter whether you take the basic premise seriously or not: Strauss’ wonderfully diverting book delivers great entertainment whatever your point of view.

According to Strauss, the clandestine society of men he describes here take wagers in clubs and bars throughout the Western world over just who can chalk up the most Casanova-like quantities of pickups and seductions. But this isn't merely for the thrill of an army of sexual conquests -- all of this is coded and organised according to an almost military-style ritual, with an elaborate series of rules and regulations that the participants rigorously follow. Strauss went undercover in this glamorous world, and learned the secrets of these top-drawer seducers. But, for him, there was a useful corollary affect: Strauss found himself transformed from a nerdish, unconfident journalist into a silver-tongued Lothario, quite the equal of many of the ladykilling males he had been enjoying the company of. For him, the ultimate accolade was being noted The World's Number One Pickup Artist -- and then he made the mistake of setting his sights on a woman who could give every bit as good as she got.

The world of excess presented here is not one most of us move in, but (if the truth were told) it has its irresistible attractions. Strauss wheels in such celebrities as Tom Cruise and Courtney Love, and this unblushing peek into a secret world where sex and seduction are treated with cool scientific detachment is mesmerisingly readable. --Barry Forshaw

"'This hugely entertaining book, I loved every page' ESQUIRE" --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

"Loving it!" --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

"A narrative of daredevil sexuality." --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

"Hugely readable." --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

"Touching and witty." --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

In "THE GAME", Neil Strauss delves into the bizarre underworld of 'pick-up artists' - men who have devoted their lives to different techniques of seducing women. These are men with their own vernacular and codes of honour, who operate on-line and in person, who are so committed to honing their strategies that they give each other seminars and live together in shared houses - or 'Projects', as they like to call them. Neil Strauss lived among the players and survived - but not before he became one of them. In the course of two years, he transformed himself from a self-confessed balding, skinny writer into the quick-thinking, smooth-talking style, a character irresistible to women, half psychologist, half magician. He became friends with the other players. He used his Game techniques on Britney Spears. By turns jaw-dropping, poignant and side-splittingly funny, "THE GAME" is a gripping portrait of a mad, self-referential community in the process of slow implosion. With guest appearances from Paris Hilton, Tom Cruise (whose character in Magnolia is based on a real-life pick-up artist) and Courtney Love, who lived with Neil in 'Project Hollywood' for a while, "THE GAME" is also the most sensational relationships manual since "The Rules", essential reading for men and women alike.

This is simply a great book. Great because it sucks you in from the opening pages which make it immediately clear that you are in the hands of a writer you can trust and who by the end of the experience you feel you like too. Great because it is incredibly funny and will have you laughing out loud at the absurdity and insanity of some of what you read. Great because it will change the way you think of yourself and those around you. Great because it doubles up both as a riveting expose of a sub-culture that is only just coming to be recognised by the mainstream but also as a book of popular psychology. Great because it is beautifully written. Great because ultimately it's a book that transcends its subject, as it moves beyond the book that Neil originally set out to write. Great because it is also a love story - just one that isn't sugarcoated.

If you buy the book off Amazon and don't like it you can write to me and I'll trade you it for anything else you like on our list (which is full of other great things)

But I'm certain you will love it because I have a feeling you have great taste.

Yours sincerley

Jamie Byng, Publisher, Canongate

NEIL STRAUSS has written for the New York Times and Rolling Stone, and has previously co-written best-selling books with Motley Crue (The Dirt), Marilyn Manson (The Long Hard Road Out Of Hell) and Jenna Jameson (How To Make Love Like A Porn Star: A Cautionary Tale). He lives in Los Angeles.