LONDON, (Reuters Life!) – Too shy to read the Kama  Sutra on the train during rush hour? Just take out your  headphones.

The ancient sex guide dating back 1,600 years has been  published as an audio book for the first time in its long  history in what its British-based publisher described as a  “perfect meeting of ancient history and modernity”.

“Now there’s no need to feel embarrassed by reading a copy  of this wonderful and important book in public — simply  download it on to your mp3 player and liven up your commute to  work,” said Simon Petherick, managing director of Beautiful  Books.

“Some may also consider using the audio book as a  step-by-step manual for improving bedroom techniques, without  the need to stop and start with constant reference to a book.”  The Kama Sutra, narrated by a British actress, is based on  ancient Indian philosophies and was first translated into  English in the 19th century. It contains advice on relationships  and one of its chapters describes 64 types of sexual acts.