Table of Contents
1996 by Jay J. Wiseman. All rights reserved.
First edition published November, 1992, by Jay J. Wiseman.
All rights reserved. Except for brief passages quoted in newspaper, magazine, radio or television reviews, no part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording, or by information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Publisher.
Published in the United States by Greenery Press, 3739 Balboa Ave. #195, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA, verdant@crl.com.
Cover photo by MichaelAdrianne
Cover design by Lady Laura and Sir Marcus
Illustrations by Plum
ISBN 0-9739763-8-9
Acknowledgements, first edition
My thanks to Robin Roberts of Backdrop for being my first teacher. Robin has taught many valuable lessons to many people over the years, and he doesnt get the credit he deserves.
My thanks to the late Cynthia Slater, founder of The Society of Janus, for setting such a wonderful example of vision, courage, integrity, and clarity.
My thanks to Bill Burns and the other wonderful folks associated with the Service ofMankind Church for their support and friendship over the years, through both good times and bad.
My thanks to the many, many wonderful people of The Society of Janus who have given and taught me so much over the years. I hope I have given at least a fraction of that back.
My thanks to Mistress Lana White, whom I have been proud to call a close personal friend for nearly twenty years.
My thanks to Mistress Augusta Fury, who interned under me with skill, grace, and a wonderfully vital intelligence. Few things please a teacher more than watching a pupil grow and develop so beautifully under their guidance.
Recognizing that the first rule of friendship is to be there in time of need, my thanks to Bill, Bruce, Charlie, Don, Fran, Frank, Glenn, Joann, Josh, KJ, Lynn, Karen F., Karen M., Marie, Mic, Nicole, Robin S., Ronnie, Sage, Scott, Sherry, Tom, and the many others who, on several occasions, held me, healed me, and helped me get back on my feet after life knocked me over.
And, finally, my thanks to Janet. To love and be loved, absolutely, unconditionally, and wholeheartedly, is one of the most divine joys a human being can experience. Thank you so much for bringing that joy into my life.
Acknowledgements, second edition
I would like to think that Ive learned and grown a great deal in the years since the first edition of this book was published. Listed below are some of the people who helped in this growth. Some I talked with, some I argued with, some I hung out with, some I played with, and some I did all of the above with. (You get to guess which is which.) My thanks to you all.
Bert Herrman
Bill Henkin
Bill Majors
B.N. Duncan
Brandie
Carol Queen
Cat
Cecelia Tan & Corwin
Charles Moser
China
Constance
Damien
David & Molly
Deborah Addington
Derek
Donnie Rice
Dossie Easton
Elizabeth of Differences
Empress Eisanna
Francesca Guido
Glenn Olsen
Gregg Loy
Guy Baldwin
Jaymes Easton
Janette Heartwood
Joel Tucker
John Warren
Joseph Bean
Karen Mendelsohn
Kim M.
Lady Cassandra
Lady Tanith
Laura Goodwin
Laurie O.
Lee Hawaii
Leona Joy
Leonard & Michelle
Manx
Mark & Laura Lee
Michael Decker
Molly Devon
Nadja & Lurker
Oberon & Morning Glory Zell
Philip The Foole
Phillip Miller
Robert Dante
Robert Morgan
Russell Brunelle & Erika
Snow White
Susan S.
Sybil Holiday
THYST-L
Tom B.
Tony DeBlase
Wayne & Margo
Special thanks to Lori Zieran, Maryann B., and The Nymphet.
And finally, once again, my thanks to Janet, for the many years of love, for the adventures and misadventures, and for her utterly superb and outstanding help with this book.
The publishers special thanks go to Frites and Chameleon for helping this book become a reality.
Warning and Disclaimer: Please Read Carefully
Nobody associated with the writing, publication, distribution, or sale of this book, or in any other way connected with it, is in any way liable for any damages that result from your engaging in the activities described herein.
You assume all risks associated with your participation.
Sex is an extremely controversial topic. The form of sex known as sadomasochism (SM) is an explosively controversial topic. Opinions and feelings, both pro and con, run strongly and deeply regarding it. Unfortunately, the average persons understanding of SM is wildly unrealistic. Meaningful discussion of SM with such a person is therefore impossible. Im writing this book to present SM realistically. A few points need emphasis.
1. Engaging in SM always involves serious physical, emotional, and other risks. Furthermore, you can never completely predict the amount of risk. You can do much to reduce those risks, but understand that SM is inherently unpredictable and dangerous. The decision to participate, and responsibility for the resulting consequences, is entirely yours.
2. Do not consider this book a substitute for medical, legal, psychological, or other professional advice. Consult appropriate professionals as necessary. Also, please note that professionals vary widely in providing information or advice that is complete, accurate, up-to-date, and unbiased. Therefore, by all means get a second opinion (or even a third opinion) if you feel you need to.
3. SM is far from completely understood. Many realistic, scientifically sound investigations have only recently begun. Therefore, much about SM remains unknown. This being so, the information in this book is necessarily incomplete.
4. SM knowledge rapidly grows and changes. Each new year produces significant developments. Therefore, at least some information in this book is undoubtedly outdated. Try to get updated information before proceeding.
5. Please understand that, despite extremely diligent efforts, this bookmay contain technical and/or typographical mistakes. Please dont get hurt because of a misprint. If possible, verify the informations accuracy with a knowledgeable, independent source before acting on it. Please contact us immediately, preferably in writing, regarding errors, so we can correct them.
6. Nothing herein is intended to appeal to prurient interest. This book addresses the psychological, technical, political, educational, social, economic, and other aspects of a sexual practice engaged in by millions of people all over the world throughout history.
7. Opinions vary about SM - especially regarding safety. Some activities I consider safe are regarded as unsafe by others; some activities they consider safe I regard as unsafe. Please try to get different opinions regarding the safety of various activities. Listen carefully to all, and make your own decision.
8. No widely accepted quality or safety standards exist for most SM equipment. What we know about safe design we mostly learned through painful experience. Many items used in SM, including most in this book, were never designed or intended for such use. Therefore, the risk of using them may be much greater than apparent. Also, possession of some SM equipment is illegal in some states. Check your states laws, appropriate federal laws, and other regulations. Make sure you are not breaking the law by simply possessing certain items. Consult a knowledgeable attorney if necessary.
