S&M: Studies in Dominance & Submission [FACSIMILE] (Paperback)

by Thomas S. Weinberg (Editor) "Sadomasochism" (S&M) is a combined term that has traditionally been used for the giving and receiving of pain for erotic gratification..." (more)
Key Phrases: nonmainstream body modification, sadomasochistic world, sadomasochistic interests, New York, United States, San Francisco (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
In support of a sociological perspective that sadomasochism is not a pathology or deviant behavior but a sexual lifestyle of socially produced and shared fantasies, Weinberg (sociology, SUNY-Buffalo) has added new material to the revised edition of this work. He advocates that sadomasochism be viewed as a subculture with its own norms, values, formal organizations, and symbols. Supplementing the sociological and social-psychological explanations, he has included autobiographical accounts for a collection ranging from sterile scholarly writings to the risque confessions of a dominatrix. Unfortunately, the pieces are uneven in quality and raise certain paradoxes within the sociological theory: Weinberg would have us believe that sadomasochism is "just another social behavior," yet several essayists argue that the very remarkable nature of sadomasochism is itself what gives its adherents their charge. This poorly edited collection is not recommended.?David R. Johnson, Louisiana State Univ. Lib., Eunice
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
The contributors to this revised classic incorporate autobiographical and firsthand accounts to emphasise the complexity and symbolic nature of this 'velvet underground' of human sexuality. A variety of sub-worlds and identities are explored: the professional dominatrix; prostitution and S heterosexual, gay, and lesbian S the role of pain and fantasy; and organised S&M groups. Recent trends such as non-mainstream body modification are discussed, along with the increasing integration of S&M themes in areas of popular culture such as the arts, literature, mass media, and fashion.

Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books; Rev Sub edition (July 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087975978X
• ISBN-13: 978-0879759780
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #325,687 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A must for anyone who ever wondered about rope/whips, August 3, 1998

By A Customer

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.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Incmplete, but overall excellent, March 15, 2004

By	Jason A. Beyer (Ottawa, IL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

7 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative..., January 2, 2000

By A Customer

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.