Peter Tupper

A fascinating history of sexuality, specifically that of the oft misunderstood subset of sadomasochism. For many, when they think of sadomasochism (s/m), they think of leather clad bikers, whips and chains, Bettie Page, and 50 Shades of Grey. While all of those things certainly have their place within s/m there is so much more to the history and it's fascinating to read about how it has evolved over the centuries. Broken into easily readable sections, Peter Tupper, does a remarkable job of show more piecing together the fragmented history of s/m all the way back to the Catholic Church, the ecstasy of the saints, the schoolboy whippings, the Marquis de Sade, all the way up to modern times and the advent of the internet. Although it is very scholarly, it is still a titillating read; and how could it not be? It's an eye opening book that not just s/m fans will enjoy. Newbies, scholars, and those well versed in BDSM will still find something new and exciting between the covers of this book ;) show less