Leatherfolk: Radical Sex, People, Politics, and Practice [Paperback]

Mark Thompson (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1992

Since its publication a decade ago, this Lambda Literary Award-nominated book has become a classic must-read on the shelf of books adressing human sexuality and identity. Spanning the decades from the 1940s onward, this collection of vibrant writing documents the many eras and shifts of attitude that have informed the gay and lesbian leather underground and its influence on the society beyond. A new preface by editor Mark Thompson, and a new annotated bibliography provide an up-to-date look at this community and provide valuable resources for researchers and interested parties.

Mark Thompson is the author of Gay Body, Gay Spirit, and Gay Soul. He lives in Los Angeles.

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

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A celebration of consensual sadomasochism, this collecton of 28 essays mostly by practitioners of both sexes argues that ``leathersex'' heals wounds, mends shame, aids psychological growth and provides the basis for expanded spiritual awareness. With its photographs of ostensibly violent acts that many would consider repellent and its graphic accounts of ``leatherfolk'' practices, this is not a book for everyone. Selections explore coming out, the meaning of black leather, bondage and Nazi paraphernalia. Goddess worshippers, a self-professed shaman and androgynes who employ sadomasochistic rites discuss their practices. Also included are a recollection of a 1949 interview with Alfred Kinsey, an appreciation of agitprop poster artist Chuck Arnett and a reminiscence of San Francisco's Catacombs club. Thompson is senior editor of the gay magazine Advocate .

Copyright 1991 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

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

Review

"'Leatherfolk' is porbably the finest book ever published on leathersex history and philosophy. Fascinating, comprehensivve, informative, and sexy." -- International Leatherman

"Leatherfolk" reveals a side of leather and S/M as no book before- its heart and soul. -- Lambda Book Report

...draws on parts of the psyche we are taught to regard as taboo, (and) can release powerful energies... -- London Gay Times

A groundbreaking anthology... this first non-fiction, co-gender collection to document the queer leather scene is an instant classic. -- The San Francisco Review of Books

Probably our first glimpse of the neo-tribal, fusion-oriented fourth phase of a cultural revolution that began in 1960. -- Fakir Musafar, Body Play and Modern Primitives Quarterly

Thompson is able to demystify S/M's darker elements without draining any of the thrilling erotic quality from the subject. -- Frontiers --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: Alyson Books (September 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1555831877
• ISBN-13: 978-1555831875
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,783,661 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Leather Must Read, September 26, 1997

By 

[e-mail] (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Leatherfolk: Radical Sex, People, Politics, and Practice (Paperback)

Leatherfolk's author list includes some of the best known names in the leather community: Dorothy Allison, Geoff Mains, Sam Steward, Jack Fritscher, Mark Thompson, Guy Baldwin, Wickie Stamps, John Preston, Pat Califia, Joseph Bean, and others. The writing is honest and insightful. (This is not another how-to manual.) I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking SM roots; this book offers history, politics, spirituality, and anthropological self-study.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent "Leather Anthology", July 31, 2003

By 

Todd Hawley (San Francisco CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Leatherfolk, 10th Anniversary (Paperback)

This book sat on my bookshelf for quite a while before I finally sat down and read it cover to cover. I was amazed and impressed by what I read. This anthology features essays by some of the most well-known authors in the leather community including Dorothy Allison, Geoff Mains, Mark Thompson, Guy Baldwin, Pat (now Patrick) Califia, Gayle Rubin, and Joseph Bean. The essays offer a "glimpse" into what "is" the leather community. Topics covered include leather history (from the 1940's through the 1990's, including an excellent essay on the Catacombs, a now legendary San Francisco male fisting and SM playspace), scene politics, spirituality, and numerous other topics about consensual power play.

As other reviewers have pointed out this book is not a "how to guide," but it is of equal value to "SM teaching manuals" in that it gives the reader a "feel" of what this community is about. Those looking to get a better idea of what it is to be in the leather community should read this book, not just for the historical and/or sociological essays here, but just to get the sense (that this anthology conveys) of what the leather scene is about.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for all those in, or interested in, Leather., March 11, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Leatherfolk: Radical Sex, People, Politics, and Practice (Hardcover)

This is one of the 4 or 5 books that I always recommend to people who ask me for a reference on the Leather Lifestyle, its meaning and history. This is also a book that I personally use whenever I need to refresh my own memory of events and protocol. If you have any questions about what the Leather Community is about, you need to have this book on your bedside table.