S&M: Studies in Dominance & Submission

Book Overview

The contributors to this revised classic incorporate autobiographical and firsthand accounts to emphasize the complexity and symbolic nature of this "velvet underground" of human sexuality.A variety of subworlds and identities are explored: the professional dominatrix; prostitution and S&M; heterosexual, gay, and lesbian S&M; the role of pain and fantasy; and organized S&M groups. Recent trends such as nonmainstream body modification are discussed, along with the increasing integration of S&M themes in areas of popular culture such as the arts, literature, mass media, and fashion.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 087975978X
• ISBN13: 9780879759780
• Release Date: January 1994
• Publisher: Prometheus Books
• Length: 312 Pages
• Weight: 0.98 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Incmplete, but overall excellent

This collection is really an updated version of Weinberg and Kamel's 1983 anthology by the same name. Weinberg's version (Kamel passed away between editions) keeps many of the quality pieces included in the first version, and adds some new work done since the last edition came out.Now, don't be fooled--this is not a collection of S/M erotica. What it is is a sociological introduction to the phenomenon of sadomasochistic sex.As it stands, it is an excellent anthology on the subject. The first section selects several classic approaches to S/M. The second section presents an attempt to understand S/M from the inside. Later essays are geared toward understaning S/M as a social phenomenon. Articles focus attention on the role of S/M in gay subcultures, the relation of S/M to other social phenomena like body piercing, and the prevalence of women in S/M sex.Every essay selected is very well done. The authors of each essay are outstanding in refraining from trite moral evluations of S/M, and consistently focus on the social significance of S/M.Overall, this is an excellent collection. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is because it is lacking in certain areas. Contemporary philosophical or psychological approaches to S/M would have been very useful to fill in the theoretical void Weinberg himself notes is lacking in S/M research (there are 2 excellent pieces in the 3rd edition of Alan Soble's *Philosophy of Sex*). The first-person account in the book involves prostitution more than S/M; I would suggest replacing this with a more S/M related piece. A comprehensive bibliography would also be helpful.Though not perfect, this is an excellent anthology, and Weinberg deserves just praise for putting it together for us.

Very informative...

This book is an excellent collection of studies into the lifestyle of S & M, Domination and submission, etc. A very good read, well put together and well thought out.

A must for anyone who ever wondered about rope/whips

This is a good book for anyone who is curious about the art of S & M. It is written in sections covering everything from simple knots and restraints to branding, cutting and leather clubs. It is a very well written book and covers alot of ground. If you are looking for answers to why you have always thought rope or leather were exciting, this is the book for you. If you are looking for naughty stories, pick something else. Rather heavy reading at points, but overall - very informative.