Sensuous Magic: A Guide for Adventurous Lovers [Mass Market Paperback]

Pat Califia (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1998

Renowned erotic pioneer Pat Califia provides this honest, unpretentious peek behind the mask of dominant/submissive sexualityan adventurous adult world of pleasure often obscured by ignorance and fear. With her trademark wit and insight, Califia demystifies the scene for the novice, explaining the terms and techniques behind many misunderstood sexual practices. The adventurous (or just curious) lover won't want to miss this volume.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Sensuous Magic is clear, succinct and engaging even for the reader for whom S/M isn't the sexual behavior of choice. Califia's prose is soothing, informative and non-judgmentalshe both instructs her reader and explores the territory for them. When she is writing about the dynamics of sex and the technical aspects of it, Califia is the Dr. Ruth of the alternative sexuality set. -- Lambda Book Report

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Masquerade Books; 2nd edition (January 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563336103
• ISBN-13: 978-1563336102
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,093,789 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good place to begin, July 12, 2001

By 

SH in Tampa "SPH" (Tampa FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sensuous Magic: A Guide for Adventurous Lovers (Mass Market Paperback)

Sensuous Magic is Pat Califa's basic intro to BDSM play. The book is somewhat short and does not cover a very wide spectrum of play, however, it does provide a good overview of the basics. If you are looking for a "how to" book of techniques, you are better off with a book like SM 101 or Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns.

However, Ms. Califia does an excellent job at examining the psychology and spirituality of BDSM play. She intersperses her words of wisdom with a few well chosen fantasies that help new players to get a feel for how BDSM scenes might work.

In the first chapter of the book, Ms. Califia provides four short stories to lubricate the imagination. The second chapter covers a very important part of play - communication and negotiation. The third chapter covers the techniques and psychology of bondage. The fourth chapter describes different types of sensations to experiment with. The fifth chapter covers whipping and flogging. The sixth chapter deals with sex in a BDSM scene.

The end of the book contains several appendicies which cover topics such as cautions on contracts, a glossary of terms, a reading list and a resource list.

Overall, this book is an excellent, non threatening introduction for people wishing to experiment with BDSM play.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Makes you feel proud to love S/M, March 28, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Sensuous Magic: A Guide for Adventurous Couples (Paperback)

An excellent guide on S/M for beginners, as well as a sincere effort against all the misunderstandings around this sexual practice. Like any decent literature on S/M, Califia emphasizes the importance of consensuality and safety. What distinguishes this from other "how to S/M" books is the sometimes firy tone of Califia, a veteran warrior of sexual liberation, and 10 short-short stories on S/M, which gives the readers a good idea of what fun life with S/M can be, as well as great stimulants that make you reach for your vibrator

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for Everyone!, February 16, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Sensuous Magic: A Guide for Adventurous Couples (Paperback)

Top, Bottom, or switch, this book isn't wishy-washy erotica (although there are somme charming short stories for illustration within) but rather a terrific book on the emotional how-to's of S&M. The focus is on safety and consent, how to avoid hurting the person(s) you are with and how to avoid getitng hurt. If only all manuals had this much focus on the well being of the people involved!