Books
The Sexually Dominant Woman:
A Workbook for Nervous Beginners - Lady Green
This was a wonderful book for the curious beginner. It was written by Lady Green in a very clear and open style, defining terms as it went along. The author was careful to explain drawbacks as well as benefits of different types of dominant/submissive play, and gave many safety tips as she went along. Many suggestions for further reading were also given. The book is best for the beginner to BDSM, and works well for both dominant and submissive as a reference. For more experienced players, the safety reminders would be most useful.
The Mistress Manual:
The Good Girl's Guide to Female Dominance - Lorelei
In a lot of ways, this is simply a reprinting of an earlier guide self-published back in 1994. Its sad how few things have changed. The target audience of the book are monogamous and het couples who practice role-playing where the woman is the "top" and the man is the "bottom". Role-playing is the key here; the book will not tell you how to do 24/7 or switch or even just be yourself. The book contains two apparent contradictions: the fantasies discussed are "male" but women are told to do only what makes them feel good. Frankly, I don't think the five main fantasies (nursemaid, governess, queen, Amazon, and goddess) are necessarily "male" and realisticly if the focus is time and again on figuring out what the man wants, how can a woman figure out what she wants. The fact is that Lorelei is correct: relationships take compromise but that doesn't equal sacrifice from either party.
The Natural Superiority of Women - Ashley Montagu
Among the central issues of the modern feminist movement, the debate over biology and culture over sex and gender, over genetics and gender roles has certainly been one of the most passionately contested. Making revolutionary arguments upon its first publication in 1953, "The Natural Superiority of Women" stands as one of the original feminist arguments against biological determinism. An iconoclast, Montagu wielded his encyclopedic knowledge of physical anthropology in critique of the conventional wisdom of women as the "weaker sex," showing how women's biological, genetic, and physical makeup made her not only man's equal, but his superior. Also a humanist, Montagu points to the emotional and social qualities typically ascribed to and devalued in women as being key to just social life and relationships. Subsequent editions of this book have provided additional support for Montagu's arguments, examining both biological and social scientific data of the late 20th century.
One of the most broadly renowned and read scholars of our century, Montagu brings out this fifth edition with up-to-date statistics and references. A lengthy foreword by Susan Sperling contextualizes the book within the intellectual histories of feminism and anthropology, noting the huge social and intellectual changes that are spanned in Montagu's life and writing. Montagu's foundational book is an important addition to the library of all gender scholars.
The Art of Eric Stanton:
For the Man Who Knows His Place - Eric Kroll (Editor)
An in depth look into the history of Stanton and his illustrations. Additional info into the publication of his work. This book will save the Specialty Pin-up and Fetish curious reader much time in that it covers a large variety of styles - year to year and publication variations - A very full overveiw of the style. As an art book, it is large, and may dominate some coffee tables. Also bear in mind that the subject-content isn't for the mainstream. Stanton's publications bring you through a wide variety of views, and Kroll's editing is very complimentary. If you are only a bit interested in the genre, and do not wish to buy lots of books, this one is your best find.
Eric Stanton, Reunion in Ropes - Burckhard Riemschneider
He's been called "the Rembrandt of Pulp-Culture" and it's not hard to see why- Stanton is the crËme de la crËme of his genre. His imaginative, detailed full-color comic strip narratives picture buxom, leggy femmes fatales having their way with tied-up, handcuffed, or simply awestruck men. The stories included here are highlights from our klotz title "Dominant Wives & Other Stories." Look at it how you want- Stanton's imagery is either an empowerment of female sexuality or a gross caricature of female-domination fantasy. Either way, Stanton's images are extra-hot and are guaranteed to put hair on any man's chest!
The Art of Sensual Female Dominance:
A Guide for Women - Claudia Varrin
It's about time. So far all the books/stories/essays I read on the subject of female domination seemed to focus on the erotic, or sexual part of it. I have always thought (hoped?) that there was more to it then that. support for one thing. Ultimately there are always those who feel more ready to take control then others, and who need someone to do it for them. But most importantly it has to do with love. I could never imagine submitting to someone I don't already love. To me submission is a sign of love. As is domination. If it's domination without love, then it's cold domination. That's partly why I bought this book, as an insight into the female mind, but also as some advice for an undiscovered, shy sub with no experience. And as advertised, it provided me with plenty of information. It also renewed my hope that there were some women interested in love in a way that also involved sensual romance. A beautifully done book, that in no way reads like a manual, thank
Goddess(cheeky grin)! A good book for starting dominants, but also great for male subs who need a foothold of understanding.
Venus in Furs (1870) Leopold Von Sacher-Masoch
Leopold Von Sacher-Masoch's 'Venus In Furs', is interesting though eccentric, and perverse though compelling. Besieged in wonder and suspense, the love affair between characters: Severin von Kusiemski and Wanda von Dunajew, becomes a roller coaster ride of desire and emotion.
The obsessive fantasy to be enslaved and brutalized by the woman he loves becomes a cruel reality for poor old Severin. As beautiful Wanda slowly becomes thrilled and captivated by the notion of fulfilling her role in his fantasy, a role that previously made her shrug and laugh, she eventually transforms herself into the controlling dominatrix of Severin's dreams – by becoming more ideal at the sadomasochistic lifestyle than he had ever dreamed was possible. As Severin becomes the ever so content and happy slave, this tug-of-war between self-esteem and power begins to twist and turn with the innocent and deadly psychological games played out between the two.
Written more than a hundred years ago, this psychodrama of love, bound by the perverted desires of one and the demon lying dormant within the other, was tastefully and artfully done.
The Bride Wore Black Leather...And He Looked Fabulous!: An Etiquette Guide for the Rest of Us
by Drew Campbell, Donna Barr (Illustrator)
This is a must read for all the altsexers out there! In fact, even though I am altsexer myself, I found the information in here invaluable in my "normal" life. Many of the situations and attitudes that are pointed out by Campbell apply to everyday situations outside of the community. I found this book invaluable and an incredibly good reminder that people need to be polite to each other. In fact, I've read passages of this book to straight friends who have asked me how to act in certain situations and even though the book was meant for altsexers it worked fabulously in straight situations. I would say that this is an easy and fun read. It is something that I think everyone should read altsex or not. We could all use a dose of politeness everynow and then!
Sex Tips from a Dominatrix - Patricia Payne
Welcome to D/s land.
Could your sex life use some new thrills? If so, here's your ticket to all those secret desires you've only confessed to your best friend in her dorm room at Deerfield: crops and corsets, nosebleed stilettos, leather, latex, and lambcuffs.
Whether you would like to make dominance and submission (D/s) a permanent part of your relationship, are brushing up for a weekend submersion session of Lina Wertmuller films, or are simply looking for a one-spank stand, Patricia Payne – exacting dominatrix and luxurious bon vivant – will guide you through this brave new underworld. Here, she shares step-by-step instructions on how to set the mood, decorate your room, pick a proper outfit, buy the best bonds, tie the exact knot, and wield the perfect quirt. She also gives tips on avoiding disaster and embarrassment, such as preventing nasty wax stains on the Kashan, so you can keep the bon in bondage.
Sex Tips From a Dominatrixcontains such forbidden fruits as:
* Tips on Whips
* BDSM Glamour Do's and Don'ts
* Silencing Your Lamb
* The Dope on Rope
* How to Get Knotty
* Aural Sex
* Dungeon Decorum
* Advanced Activities
So add a new whine to your cellar and get allwrapped up in lovemaking – with strings attached.
The Loving Dominant - John Warren
"The most accessible introduction to SM I've seen." William A. Henkin, The Spectator
Everything the amateur player needs to know about heterosexual, male-dominant love-making. Warrenaka Mentoris a longtime participant in the dominance/submission scene. As he guides readers through this rarely seen world, he offers clear-eyed advice that will refresh and enlighten the most well-informed erotic explorers. Most importantly, Mentor discusses the hidden basis of the D/S relationship: the care, trust and love between partners.
Some Women - Laura Antoniou (Editor)
Over forty essays written by women actively involved in consensual dominance and submission. Professional mistresses, lifestyle leather- dykes, whipmakers, titleholderswomen from every conceivable walk of life lay bare their true feelings about issues as explosive as feminism, abuse, pleasure and public image. An indispensible volume for all interested or involved in this increasingly visible community. Should I review this? Afterall I have a piece in this collection. But yes, I think I should review this anthology because as one of those real women who do "BDSM" I can say that these narratives rang a bell in my mind, each and everyone of them. Written from the heart, you'll find all manner of issues addressed in this collection and walk away wondering if the woman next day or your co-worker is one of these "women". Frequently touching, often funny, and rarely dull.
Different Loving: A Complete Exploration of the World of Sexual Dominance and Submission - Gloria Brame
Although the authors insist this tome "is not an apologia for sadomasochism," it often reads like one. Rejecting theories that explain S&M in terms of low self-esteem or regressed sexuality, they portray sexual dominants, submissives and fetishists "as they see themselves: loving and compassionate individuals" for whom pain is pleasure and physical bondage is psychologically liberating. However, it is hard to reconcile this formula with the interviewees' graphic accounts of whipping, spanking, "golden showers" (urination), the use of hot wax and clothespins, depersonalization fantasies (being treated like an animal or a chair) and so forth. The wife-husband Brames (she is a poet, he a novelist) and freelance writer Jacobs also devote sections to genital piercing, scarification (cutting one's body with a knife), tattooing, female wrestling and transvestites and transsexuals who engage in S&M. - From Publishers Weekly
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Movies
The Story of "O" (1975)
Most so-called adult films are mindless, empty, clinical depictions of rutting and most "erotica" is childish and bland. The Story of O is different: it is literature and the film is an excellent adaptation of the novel. I read the novel first and felt nothing but satisfation on viewing the film. The director and cast bring the novel alive as it is meant to be.
This story, written by a woman I might add, is not about the exploitation of women or a woman. It is not about submission to anything other than one's own love and sexuality. It is symbolic, so profoundly so, that it must touch upon our archetypes.
Many might miss that through submission, O conquers her lover – totally. There is an irony here in that her lover ends up the submissive one. She taps into the infinite power of her femininity and becomes a goddess. I am not into bondage and discipline personally, yet this movie is a favorite of my wife and me. O haunts, she is supernally erotic, and profoundly feminine.
The quality of the film is first class, it is well acted, and is a classic. IMO, it is a must have film. It is the only erotic film in our house – the rest just are so bland.
Seduction - Cruel Woman (1985)
- Elfi Mikesch, Monika Treut [DVD]
Mikesch and Treut's first film, Verfuhrung: Die Grausame Frau (Seduction: The Cruel Woman, 1985) was inspired by the novel Venus in Furs by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch. Seduction examines the psychological aspects of sadism and masochism through the tale of Wanda (Mechthild Grossmann), a German lesbian dominatrix who runs a gallery where audiences pay for the privilege of watching her humiliate her slaves.
Maitresse (1976) [DVD]
Drifter Olivier (GÈrard Depardieu) lands in Paris and partners up on a friend's home invasion. Ostensibly they're breaking into the vacant flat of a vacationing old lady, but in reality it's the kinky dungeon of a high-class dominatrix with a powerful client list. The bearish Depardieu falls for the lithe professional, blonde Ariane (Bulle Ogier) in a black bob wig and dressed in tight leather and latex, and soon moves into her handsome flat while she plies her trade downstairs. Barbet Schroeder's kinky little slice of sexual decadence is initially titillating and erotic, but soon turns grotesque. Ariane's clients desire her domination but only as contracted: They control their abuse. The romance becomes a warped mirror of her career, Ariane allowing Olivier the appearance of control as he slides behind the driver's seat of her car, but setting the parameters of his dominance. Easygoing Olivier soon begins to simmer with frustration and jealousy, unable to comprehend her
twisted world of sexual deviance, and attempts to "save" her from her lifestyle. Schroeder pushes the portrayal of S&M and bondage to the limits with graphic scenes of pain, torment, and mutilation, presented with a bland detachment that makes them all the more uncomfortable to watch. He brings that same dispassionate attitude to the romance, which results in an uninvolving yet undeniably fascinating story of a quirky affair.
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