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.


Great for Everyone!   February 17, 2000
 8 out of 9 found this review helpful

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!


Makes you feel proud to love S/M   March 28, 1997
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

An excellent guide on S/M for beginners, as well as a sincere effort against all the misunderstandings around this sexual practice. Like any decent literature on S/M, Califia emphasizes the importance of consensuality and safety. What distinguishes this from other "how to S/M" books is the sometimes firy tone of Califia, a veteran warrior of sexual liberation, and 10 short-short stories on S/M, which gives the readers a good idea of what fun life with S/M can be, as well as great stimulants that make you reach for your vibrator


SENSUOUS MAGIC AT HOME   May 4, 2006
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

I've only been involved in the BDSM lifestyle since last summer (2005)but have already read many books to help educate myself on the subject. In addition to SM 101 by Jay Wiseman and Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns, this is one of the best books I've read so far. Not only does Patrick Califia cover some things I've learned in other books, he also introduces some new terminology that I was unfamiliar with. The book is both informative and amusing, as well as educational. It's well written and I'm glad that I have the 2nd edition of the book as he covers things in this one that was not covered in the 1st edition due to restrictions at the time it was published. As he points out, BDSM has become a lot more accepted in "polite" society today than it was in the 90s. For those of us in the lifestyle, we now have better reading material and easier ways to find one another today than we had in the past. I highly recommend Sensuous Magic for both the novice and more experienced players.


Useful info for rank novice and hardened veteran alike   July 12, 1998
 3 out of 4 found this review helpful

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!