Sensuous Magic: A Guide for Adventurous Couples
Author: Pat Califia
List Price: $7.95
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ISBN: 1563336103
Publisher: Masquerade Books (February, 1998)
Sales Rank: 120,716
Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Customer Reviews
Rating: 4 out of 5
A good place to begin
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.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Great for Everyone!
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!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Useful info for rank novice and hardened veteran alike
Pat Califia hits all the bases, and hits them well. She doesn't just stay in her own erotic turf (namely leatherdyke) but covers all areas of the Leather Underground, including my favorite: Gor. Fans of this book should keep their eyes on the ads in Heavy Metal: the Gorean Renaissance is about to erupt! You could do worse than to use this book for your guide to _living_ the fantasy! Similar Products
SM 101: A Realistic Introduction
The Loving Dominant
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