Customer Reviews

S& M: Studies in Dominance (Revised)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

I had him as my prof in college, and we had to buy the book. In all honesty, I thought it would be a boring, dull book. Boy was I wrong! It's full of interesting information and little stories. It isnt boring in the least bit, and I enjoyed reading it outside of class even. I lent it to friends and they enjoyed it as well. Having him talk about the stories makes the book even better! Be warned though, you might need a cold shower after a few passages

I enjoyed receiving my book in a timely fashion in wonderful condition and it was just what I was looking for. I will definitely be ordering things from Amazon again:) And the price was great!!!

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.