Recommended Books By Others

This book is a series of essays interspersed with interviews of real-life players in the scene. At times the writing is dense and heavy. This books is not a quick read. The information, however, is relevant and useful. They include long, detailed sections on subjects not commonly found in such detail in scene books, namely body modification and scat play.

Extreme Space

There are times when, I'm sorry, but people get a little too enthusiastic. Extreme Space really does cover a lot of subjects very well. It talks about a lot of the psychological and role issues better than just about any other book I know. The problem is, it keeps getting a little too impressed with itself and D/s as a whole. Read some of the following with a deep movie announcer voice, you'll get the idea:

When an Alpha Dominant hits this space they may become the most lethal predator ever to walk the face of the earth. (p.179)
[Talking about subs in 'sub-vocal or primal space' - the capitalisation is theirs] They will be FAST and very dangerous. They can and will claw you, bite you or toss you into a wall if you are a small person. (p.129)
[Talking about Alpha Dominants] A full emergence often takes as long as seven years... (Apparently, not as long as eight, or nine, just as long as seven!? Huh?) (p.46)

As I said, it does deal with a lot of issues very well and, overall, is a very good book. It's just needs to be read with a pinch of salt while you ignore its overly self impressed and One True Way sections.

Miss Abernathy's Concise Slave Training Manual

Abernathy writes from a female-dominant point of view, and dictates training of a very classic, old-world slave (whether male or female). The book is short but thoroughly explained-if she brings up a subject, she explores it. The training is for a classic sort of slave, with explanations of commands and postures as well as basic forms of service including housework, errands, and personal attendance. Abernathy explores these subjects from a D/s standpoint. The emphasis is more toward personal fulfillment than it is toward sexual gratification.

Screw The Roses, Send Me The Thorns

A good manual of safe play, this book is written for players at the scene, not for Lifestylers. Lifestylers are summarily dismissed with the statement, "Call it what you like, this is Donna Reed with whips and chains." It is a solid instructional book for the scene, with diagrams and explanations and hints and helpful suggestions, but it is not written for those who consider this to be a way of life and not just a pastime.

Sensuous Magic: A Guide for Adventurous Couples

Pat Califia is one of the most well recognized names of this genre, for good reason. Her books are sane and well explained, as well as sensuous and erotic. This book is for beginners, but has practical, useful advice for everyone. It deals with everything from simple definition of terms, to descriptions of toys, contracts, bits of anatomy (where is good to hit, where to avoid), and other books to look into on the subject. It also talks about why we do what we do, where the appeal is and how to make it even better.

SM101: A Realistic Introduction

Another well known name, Wiseman's introductory book is clear and straightforward. Wiseman spends a great deal of time talking about different techniques and toys and different games, always with an eye on keeping it safe and enjoyable. He also explores the motivations and thoughts behind bdsm, from both sides. The essays on the mental side of bdsm help give an idea what is going on in your partner's head. Wiseman emphasizes safety at all times.

The Bottoming Book: How to Get Terrible Things Done to You by Wonderful People

The partner of The Topping Book, this book deals with the scene from the bottom/submissive point of view. A good basic instructional manual, this book also is threaded through with the reassurance that you are not wrong if you have submissive feelings. The reassurances in the pages, in addition to the safety information, is what makes the book well worth a read.

The Topping Book: Or, Getting Good at Being Bad

Easton and Liszt are real-life players of the scene, a point they make abundantly clear in their books. The book is full of anecdotes and helpful hints. All throughout there is also the reassurance that you are not a bad person because you have a dominant personality. There is an underlying sense in the book that "the scene is fun!" which is much appreciated.

To Love, To Obey, To Serve: Diary of an Old Guard Slave

Interesting and at times frankly horrific to read. Johnson describes the life of an old guard slave, before the notion of "safe, sane, consensual" met the scene. Her stories of treatment at the hands of her Masters and Mistresses makes you understand where the scene got such a bad reputation.

Julia

A story of lifestyle D/s and one woman's introduction to the scene. This is a marvelous book, and is a realistic portrayal of entering the scene. In fact, it's much how kitten entered the scene-carefully guided by a loving Master, with some fearful steps but always a place to fall. The book is realistic and erotic, suggestive and alluring.

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This page was last updated on Tuesday 21st 2001f August 2001

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