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Rating: 
Summary: hot, smart, sensual - a must have
Review: Sensuous Magic is my favorite intro to BDSM book. The book covers all of the basic areas of BDSM in a way the both demystifies and normalizes. Patrick Califia approaches the topic in a way that emphasizes the emotional and spiritual aspects of BDSM play first, and the technical aspects second. Our brains are our biggest turn ons and he knows it. And, he manages to tuck erotica into each chapter - hot, hot, hot.
One of the other things that i love about this book is the inclusion of all genders and sexual orientations. Mr Califia knows how important that is on a very personal level. He used to live as a woman, and now identifies as a man. The perspective of someone who has lived in multiple parts of the gender contiuim is valuable, especially when playing with power.
If you don't have this book, and you are thinking about BDSM play, you need it.
Happy playtime!
Rating:
Summary: replaces the original
Review: The original 1993 edition of this book by Pat Califia is now replaced by this new edition by Patrick Califia (same person by the way). The chapters are increased from 6 to 10 and more information is included while everything else is updated. There is a lot of basic information here but this isn't a how-to book -- its focus is more on the mental and emotional and social aspects of starting out in SM (or BDSM if you prefer). So if you are starting out because you or a parnter knows you are interested, this book will help you figure out what next steps to take, how to discuss things, where to find resources and community; it will not teach you to tie knots or flog.
Rating:
Summary: replaces the original
Review: The original 1993 edition of this book by Pat Califia is now replaced by this new edition by Patrick Califia (same person by the way). The chapters are increased from 6 to 10 and more information is included while everything else is updated. There is a lot of basic information here but this isn't a how-to book -- its focus is more on the mental and emotional and social aspects of starting out in SM (or BDSM if you prefer). So if you are starting out because you or a parnter knows you are interested, this book will help you figure out what next steps to take, how to discuss things, where to find resources and community; it will not teach you to tie knots or flog.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Job
Review: This second edition of this book takes the material in the previous edition, updating it in certain spots and adds new material. As another reviewer has pointed out, this book is not a "how to do BDSM manual," instead it covers more of the emotional and mental aspects of doing BDSM. And each of the chapters finishes with an erotic SM story, one that fits the topic just discussed in the chapter. Topics the author covers include myths about SM and demystifying them, communication & negotiation, impact play, developing role preferences, different SM relationships, finding community, and even a chapter on edge play. Although some of this chapter some might feel is not necessarily edge play. Your mileage may vary.Califia also takes a realistic attitude about doing SM throughout the book, pointing out for example that what may really hot in your mind (like a full on 24/7 D/s relationship) may not be practical when it comes to things like doing shopping or picking up the dry cleaning, or holding down a 9 to 5 job every day. Or that your Top may have a bad day or not be perfect at all times. Reality rears its ugly head. Califia even includes a glossary of terms in the back, a resource guide, and further reading material. While the book is aimed primarily toward people new to BDSM, there's enough material here that even so-called "veteran" SM players will enjoy reading. Califia is a long time community member and his experience shows in the writing of this book.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Job
Review: This second edition of this book takes the material in the previous edition, updating it in certain spots and adds new material. As another reviewer has pointed out, this book is not a "how to do BDSM manual," instead it covers more of the emotional and mental aspects of doing BDSM. And each of the chapters finishes with an erotic SM story, one that fits the topic just discussed in the chapter. Topics the author covers include myths about SM and demystifying them, communication & negotiation, impact play, developing role preferences, different SM relationships, finding community, and even a chapter on edge play. Although some of this chapter some might feel is not necessarily edge play. Your mileage may vary. Califia also takes a realistic attitude about doing SM throughout the book, pointing out for example that what may really hot in your mind (like a full on 24/7 D/s relationship) may not be practical when it comes to things like doing shopping or picking up the dry cleaning, or holding down a 9 to 5 job every day. Or that your Top may have a bad day or not be perfect at all times. Reality rears its ugly head. Califia even includes a glossary of terms in the back, a resource guide, and further reading material. While the book is aimed primarily toward people new to BDSM, there's enough material here that even so-called "veteran" SM players will enjoy reading. Califia is a long time community member and his experience shows in the writing of this book.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best for the Leather Community...
Review: Whenever someone asks about information about the SM Community, I have two required readings...Sensous Magic and the Leatherman's Handbook by Larry Townsend.
I think Pat does an outstanding service to the community with this
publication. This first edition was very difficulty to obtain, so with this second edition, a new generation will benefit from her knowledge. As she says..if we don't take care of ourselves, who will.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best for the Leather Community...
Review: Whenever someone asks about information about the SM Community, I have two required readings...Sensous Magic and the Leatherman's Handbook by Larry Townsend.
I think Pat does an outstanding service to the community with this
publication. This first edition was very difficulty to obtain, so with this second edition, a new generation will benefit from her knowledge. As she says..if we don't take care of ourselves, who will.
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