Painfully Obvious: An Irreverent & Unauthorized Manual for Leather/SM [Paperback]

Robert Davolt (Author), Steve Lenius (Introduction), Joe Gallagher (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2, 2004

"Painfully Obvious" is a collection of 40 provocative essays by the former publisher of Drummer magazine and popular San Francisco leather columnist Robert davolt. Originally written for the LeatherPage.com this anthology takes an unorthodox look at leather relationships, community, contests, business, tradition, history and leadership. Inside perspective and practical tips on "what To War," "Leather On The Cheap" and "Passing The Bar," are delivered with authoritative research and barbed humor.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Bravo for having the guts to say the things you did in your article (The Metaphor of Leather). -- Dave Rhodes, publisher, Leather Journal

Davolt has always prided himself on being, in his words, an "equal-opportunity curmudgeon." -- Steve Lenius, Lavender Magazine

Great article (Advice For The Ambitious Leather Contest Producer), informative and accurate. -- Chuck Renslow, Founder and Producer of International Mister Leather

It should be required reading for all current and future (Leather Contest) judges. -- Walter Klingler, Chicago

Thanks for your articles! They seem to be filled with some common sense that we sometimes lack on these things -- Larry Everett, IML 1995

Very insightful column and humorous at the same time. -- Lenny Broberg, IML 1992

From the Publisher

If each writer contributes a unique voice to his or her publication, Davolt’s would have to be first and foremost the voice of experience. Davolt has been there, done that, and has the scars to prove it:

• When he offers tips on running a leather business, he’s writing from personal experience—he has been in the position of earning a paycheck by producing a product for the leather community.

• When he offers advice to budding leather columnists, he offers credentials in the form of this book and in the fact that he has in the past taught journalism. (Don’t believe that stuff about "Those who can’t do, teach"—at least not in this instance.)

• He has been involved in all aspects of leather contests. When he writes advice to prospective contestants, contestant sponsors, judges, titleholders or contest promoters, he knows what he’s writing about because he’s been in all those roles at one time or another.

• And he has certainly spent enough time in leather bars to be able to write authoritatively about "painfully correct leather bar etiquette."

Therefore, Robert Davolt merits your attention, respect and credence. You may not always agree with him or with his point of view, but listen to what he has to say. He’s been there. And he’s willing to speak his mind and pulls no punches, since he has no advertisers to worry about offending.

Although these columns were written predominantly for gay leathermen, this book is certainly worthwhile reading for leather lesbians and kinky heterosexuals too. Davolt has always prided himself on being, in his words, an "equal-opportunity curmudgeon." Whoever you are, you’ll find a lot of leather wisdom (and just plain wisdom, too) in these pages.

Be glad he’s willing to share.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 250 pages
• Publisher: Daedalus Publishing (January 2, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1881943194
• ISBN-13: 978-1881943198
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,878,100 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book ROCKS!, April 8, 2004

By 

Robert Lett (Richmond, Va United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Painfully Obvious: An Irreverent & Unauthorized Manual for Leather/SM (Paperback)

An uproariously true to life take on the leather scene, with equal doses of cynicism, humor and heart. Akin to what would come out if you ran the Marquis De Sade and Erma Bombeck through a meat grinder. LOVED IT!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, April 8, 2004

By 

Will Clark (New York City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Painfully Obvious: An Irreverent & Unauthorized Manual for Leather/SM (Paperback)

Great resource filled with common sense information about the dos and don'ts about being a member of the gay subculture known as the leather community. Robert has a way of critiqing the leather community and the ways and mores and yet not criticizing (at least, not too harshly) but still staying true to the relationships with the people that he is inherantly talking about. As someone who has an idea of the various situations of which he speaks I'm amazed and disarmed by his tact, his font of information and yet his brutal honesty.

This is definitely a book for those people who are interested in what goes on with gay leather men but don't want to wade through an esoteric tome that reduces human sexuality to theory and endless analysis. The tone is direct, factual, funny and warm.

Bravo!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's almost like looking in a mirror, February 3, 2004

By 

Michael Holeman (SF Bay Area, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Painfully Obvious: An Irreverent & Unauthorized Manual for Leather/SM (Paperback)

Painfully Obvious is a priceless collection of life experiences. Each essay helps to broaden our perspective of what it means to be a Leatherman. With his off the cuff humor and insight he has managed reach us all at a personal level. Even though you know you should not take his words to seriously secretly you can't help but not to.