Customer Reviews

Trust: The Hand Book: A Guide to the Sensual and Spiritual Art of Handballing

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

 

 

I never would have dreamed I would write a review for a book such as this. However, this book is worthy of a purchase and an honored place on your bookshelf.
As the title suggests, it deals with the physical and spiritual aspects of handballing,also known as fisting. The book details in as simple language as possible what happens to the body, and the mind when engaging in this sensual and erotic activity.
He relates the history of the act, along with the historic cocomittants(poppers,drug use etc) that have been used while doing this. He advises against their use, and suggests alternative means of increasing ectasy,and bonding that occurrs naturally as a result of handballing.
My own experience,of bottoming and topping,has been greatly helped by the use of this book. There is nothing to fear,as long as one takes his time, doesn't rush the experience,and listens to and cares deeply for the one he is playing with. Respect is the key word to avoiding injury and gaining maximum benefits from this practice.
Many men are left wanting for more these days after having sex. The nature of a man is to have sex with as many people as he is able or comfortable to have it with. This practice creates a quality of ectasy unknown by any other form of sensual art. It breaks down the remaining barriers between two guys and truly make them fully whole, a couple fully present in the moment,with no boundaries between them. The complete relaxation created lasts,sometimes for days.

Do yourself a favor and say yes.

When this book first came out in 1991, the information it contained was useful and necessary because gay men were dying from unsafe sex. Handballing, or fisting, has a danger to it it aside from disease, danger that is both physical and for some personal because it challenges not only the ideas of gender and sexuality but also runs right into some strong taboos. Now, the disease and barrier information is outdated so don't rely on this information, ask your doctor. However, the basics about how to do it phsyically and how to do it emotionally are still very useful. The idea of spirituality and sex isn't new, but once again for its time, "Trust" was forerunner of trends to come.

Bert Herrman is a kind of spiritual grandfather to the handballing world. He codified his status when he released "Trust" in 1991. He took a taboo topic and wrote about it with passion, and the floodgates were open. It is obvious that he feels deeply about the subject, and tries mightily to purvey as much information as possible at the time.

However, the final segments of the book get a wee bit esoteric. If you are more into the carnal than the spiritual, the last chapters of "Trust" may be a bit hard to digest, and you may find the information/viewpoint to be lacking (if somewhat one-sided). Also, in the intervening years, a great deal of knowledge about the red-hankie world has accumulated. Herrman's "Trust," while certainly an important document of the times, is very much a book of its time. Get it for the history, and because this was the work that opened the original door for many men.

Rich in rhetoric, missing in places. I couldn't sit for 2 days after practising these richly explained techniques . What the author could do to improve is to advise on post coital support. There were no recommendations about ice packs, lanolin creams, swimming rings to help one sit afterwards. I had to fly NY back to San Fran next day and its was agony even without the turbulence.

Great theory, little post partum support ! :-(

This book must have been groundbreaking at the time of publication. But other than one meager anatomical illustration, there is very little to be learned. As a matter of fact, and from experience, I'd hate to see newcomers rely solely on this pamphlet - they would be very ill served.

This seems to be a very good book on the topic. It addresses that part of your body, has chapters for both tops and bottoms, and covers a range of issues. This is definitely more of a how-to guide on the subject.

When I first gazed upon this book I immediately thought of enjoying a fine night of Long Island Iced Tea with my handsome partner, Vincent (which is interesting because he looks similar to Vincent Price).

If anyone is interested in the sensual art of handballing (which is where you gently stuff your entire arm into your partner's secret anal space), I jubilantly recommend purchasing a copy of this book. It is also great as a coffee table book. My mother, Agatha, who doesn't approve of my homo-sexually oriented lifestyle, was flipping through it with a shocked expression on her face! What ho, good mother! Surprised! I believed so. The book is that good.

This tome of information also contains extremely useful information, such as lubricants you should use when you perform this ancient and mysterious art. Why, I don't think I have to explain to you hetero-sexuals out there the darth shock of being caught about to anally invade your partner without the proper jelly! Goodness!

This book is quite the cat's whiskers! In fact, as I sit in this chair and my burly partner Vincent slowly runs his lips against my ribcage, I shudder in delight as I know this book will get more use tonight. Be warned though, that the pages tend to stick together when dampened with anal secretions!

I give this two fists up! Up, up, UP!

-Sebastian

A "Must Read" primer for the novice or just curious of the sexual practice brought "out of the closet" by the late photographer, Robert Mapplethorpe and propelled Senator Jessie Helms into the limelight as the "Saviour" of "Traditional American Morals" when he successfully cut the Federal budget monies for the National Endowment for the Arts for their role in bringing an exhibit of Mapplethorp's work depicting "Fisting" (and other not so mainstream) sexual practices before the public.

I suggest Crisco or Peanut Oil befire trying this activity with your lover or someone might tear themselves up, if you know what I mean.

A very informative and interesting book on the little known art of handballing. I enjoyed it.