Customer Reviews

Sensuous Magic 2 Ed: A Guide to S/M for Adventurous Couples

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This second edition of this book takes the material in the previous edition, updating it in certain spots and adds new material. As another reviewer has pointed out, this book is not a "how to do BDSM manual," instead it covers more of the emotional and mental aspects of doing BDSM. And each of the chapters finishes with an erotic SM story, one that fits the topic just discussed in the chapter. Topics the author covers include myths about SM and demystifying them, communication & negotiation, impact play, developing role preferences, different SM relationships, finding community, and even a chapter on edge play. Although some of this chapter some might feel is not necessarily edge play. Your mileage may vary.

Califia also takes a realistic attitude about doing SM throughout the book, pointing out for example that what may really hot in your mind (like a full on 24/7 D/s relationship) may not be practical when it comes to things like doing shopping or picking up the dry cleaning, or holding down a 9 to 5 job every day. Or that your Top may have a bad day or not be perfect at all times. Reality rears its ugly head.

Califia even includes a glossary of terms in the back, a resource guide, and further reading material. While the book is aimed primarily toward people new to BDSM, there's enough material here that even so-called "veteran" SM players will enjoy reading. Califia is a long time community member and his experience shows in the writing of this book.

Whenever someone asks about information about the SM Community, I have two required readings...Sensous Magic and the Leatherman's Handbook by Larry Townsend.
I think Pat does an outstanding service to the community with this
publication. This first edition was very difficulty to obtain, so with this second edition, a new generation will benefit from her knowledge. As she says..if we don't take care of ourselves, who will.

Sensuous Magic is my favorite intro to BDSM book. The book covers all of the basic areas of BDSM in a way the both demystifies and normalizes. Patrick Califia approaches the topic in a way that emphasizes the emotional and spiritual aspects of BDSM play first, and the technical aspects second. Our brains are our biggest turn ons and he knows it. And, he manages to tuck erotica into each chapter - hot, hot, hot.

One of the other things that i love about this book is the inclusion of all genders and sexual orientations. Mr Califia knows how important that is on a very personal level. He used to live as a woman, and now identifies as a man. The perspective of someone who has lived in multiple parts of the gender contiuim is valuable, especially when playing with power.

If you don't have this book, and you are thinking about BDSM play, you need it.

Happy playtime!

The original 1993 edition of this book by Pat Califia is now replaced by this new edition by Patrick Califia (same person by the way). The chapters are increased from 6 to 10 and more information is included while everything else is updated. There is a lot of basic information here but this isn't a how-to book -- its focus is more on the mental and emotional and social aspects of starting out in SM (or BDSM if you prefer). So if you are starting out because you or a parnter knows you are interested, this book will help you figure out what next steps to take, how to discuss things, where to find resources and community; it will not teach you to tie knots or flog.

This was my first book about BDSM. It's a well written book and allowed me to get a good foundation about lots of things. I really enjoy Patrick as an author (I have a number of his books) and I really like how his book is suitable for both straight AND gay/lesbian/queer folk. Regardless of what community you belong to this book is for you.

I've checked out lots of other books on the market, gotta say most of them, and I would recommend this one the most for those people who are starting out. It's not overwhelming with information and presents things in a straightforward manner. Once you have a handle on things you can delve into the other books but I find some one them don't get to the soul of the experience, or throw too much info at you and it's difficult to wrap you head around what's going on.

Once you have an idea of the idea and foundation of BDSM then pick up one of the technique books. This isn't really one of them, though it has lots of good resources in the back. This is a good resource book about the lifestyle and what to expect.

While I am not totally into this alternative lifestyle, I do think it's really good reading. (I usually just read fiction tales on the subject.) However, this is a great read with good instruction. The book really covers the gamet of bdsm play and goes into some really good detail on the subject. It's a must read for those who want a good intruduction.

While I've just begun this book, it seems to contain a lot of viable info that I can put into my life.

I purchased the first edition of this book several years ago and found it both well written and very informative. The author had provided an excellent mix between entertainment and giving useful knowledge to the reader. The 2nd edition builds on the first and is equally enjoyable. I highly recommend either edition of this work to other readers.

Good starter book. Covers basics of BDSM but also wraps around relationships within it. Should be on every BDSM couple's reading list if not on the already read list.

It used to be Patricia. Now it's Patrick. I don't think we have any right to question this author's self identity. It is a wonderfully informative book, especially for beginners, and is not restricted to male/female relationships, like so many books on sex/sexuality are. I have read all of Patrick's books and recommend them highly.