Ties That Bind: The SM/Leather/Fetish Erotic Style: Issues, Commentaries and Advice (Paperback)

by Guy Baldwin (Author), Joseph W. Bean (Author, Editor) "I remember quite well the progression of events by which I came into this world- the world of Leatherdomain..." (more)
Key Phrases: persistent emotional pain, kinky people, leather family, Black Hole, Dungeon Masters, Sexual Disorder (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The writings of one of the most respected and knowledgable people on the subject of SM/leather/fetish erotic style has been compiled in this book. Issues regarding relationships, the community, the SM experience, and personal transformation, as they relate to this form of erotic play, are addressed. Unlike many in the mental health field, Mr. Baldwin takes the approach that this style of erotic play can definitely be part of a healthy expression of one's sexuality. Many have benefitted from his sound advice in seminars, worjkshops and through his many published articles. Now, much of this man's wisdom has been published for you in this book.

About the Author
Guy Baldwin is a well-known psychotherapist whose clients include many men and women who engage in SM/leather/fetish erotic play. He is a sought after speaker nationwide and has published many articles on the subject.

Product Details

• Paperback: 244 pages
• Publisher: Daedalus Publishing Company; 2 edition (February 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1881943097
• ISBN-13: 978-1881943099
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #493,075 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Serious discussions of BDSM relationship issues, June 6, 2000

By A Customer

As a hetero male switch, I didn't find Mr. Baldwin's gay male perspective to be at all limiting. As the book states clearly in the introduction, they could easily have changed a few pronouns and put the book into more universal language, but what would have been the point? Some of the illustrations used gay male examples of SM eroticism (the author must be seriously into boot polish! :) But it was pretty easy for me to mentally replace some of these erotic examples with some of my favorite fetishes as I read the book, to make it apply to me.

I'm not sure this book would be a good choice for giving vanila or kink-curious folk an insight into SM, nor do I think that was its primary intention. You pretty much have to already be tapped in to BDSM energy -- it doesn't really even attempt the almost-impossible task of explaining it to people that just aren't wired for it. But it is a great resource for helping people who are already firmly oriented towards these lifestyles to build healthy relationships, and discern healthy from unhealthy behaviors. That's a tremendously valuable resource -- BDSM folk have a really hard time getting straight, critical, and understanding input on difficult relationship issues.

I had a chance to have a few conversations with Guy Baldwin at LIL IV in 1989. He is indeed a very intelligent and thoughtful individual, and extremely flashy with a pair of leather floggers, I might add. :) This book is extremely valuable... in my opinion, it is a must-read for any BDSM person who is serious about keeping their BDSM and BDSM relationship healthy.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Relationship Advice for People into S&M and D/s, June 5, 2004

By	Ambrosio "ambrosio_ky" (North Central Kentucky) - See all my reviews

Mr. Baldwin's book is a wonderful collection of very well written and accessible essays covering the interpersonal aspects of the S&M scene. Guy Baldwin is both a psychotherapist and an experienced S&M practitioner. While the essays were originally written for a gay male S&M magazine, it's easy for women and heterosexual men to read past the pronouns and benefit from his insights. It's one of those books you want to share with your (kinky) friends as soon as you've finished reading it.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Whoa amazing!, March 3, 2003

By	Laurie Richards (SALT LAKE CITY, UT United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you want to know about the history and magic of BDSM, read this book. Read Leatherfolk as well. This is a great way to gain a deeper knowledge of the magic that experienced players know about. If you're just beginning to explore this path, read these books, but don't forget A Different Loving and Screw the Roses, Send me the Thorns.