i caught parts of a documentary on this book. it seemed 'interesting' to say the least. i was wondering if anyone here has read it? and is there an english tranlation?

I have and there are indeed english translations; I'm aware of one 1981 and one 1998 traduction. I've only read the original and the 1998 Hand trad., so I can't really give comments about the earlier one.

Would you recommend it?

Yes, I read it. In all honesty, I thought it was kind of boring.

Is it better than Gor?