Customer Reviews

SM 101: A Realistic Introduction

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Okay, I'm no expert. In fact I'm practically as green as they come. But even I can tell that this Jay Wiseman fellow is a bit of a jerk (maybe "child" is more fair). Recently I bought every book I could find on BDSM because my boyfriend and I have begun to experiment with it in a pretty major way. Maybe it was because the other books (I HIGHLY recomend The New Bottoming Book and the New Topping) were written by or partially by women, that I wasn't prepared for such an emotionally detached view of the scene in Sm 101. By the second chapter I found myself actively disliking the author. A stark contrast to my other experiences in this catagory of book, where the authors had become my trusted confidants by the end.
Yes, there is a lot of information here, especially if you need a whole chapter to tell you how to tie a knot, but I was so put of by Wiseman's tone that I didn't make it even half way through.
My advice? Pick up ANY of the other how-to books on BDSM. They provide all of the necessary information with a lot more love. Not to mention being better written

New to the world of BDSM this book was recommended and I consumed it. It is educational, informative and fun. A must have for the newbie or just the curious. For the vanilla crowd that are unsure of the BDSM world, this will answer your questions as well.

Brilliant concept, brilliant title, brilliant work! The author dispels misconceptions about BDSM and encourages the reader to use his/her creative imaginations. Highly recommended for the cinical psychologist for his/her practice, members of the legal profession for understanding, or even members of sexual minorities looking for avenues of expression. A must read for anyone interested in BDSM or cultural anthropology/cultural expression. A realistic approach to this topic is what is needed most and this book delivers that much needed realistic approach. Bravo!

I, a new player, without any other resource other than videos, found that this book is exactly what it is named.. SM 101... Anyone who is starting or just curious about BDSM **MUST** buy this book. It will give you a general overall about most things involed in BDSM. Whether physical, mental or social, it covers it all.
However, don't expect to find a step by step 'manual' on BDSM. This is not a book that tells you how to do this and that (use your imagination -.-)
What is talked about in this book will help all readers, whether new and unexperienced or 'old pros of the trade'...
Although it could be calssified as a 'textbook' the author makes it so easy to read. I finished the book in an evening.

I loved the book and read it completely (which happens seldom in my desk loaded with books at home and at work). It's written in an informative style to actually learn something and keep the arousal away. Wow, I'm not part of the SM scene, though familiar through some online reading. Jay shows that there is so much play time to do, after growing up ;-)

Three weeks ago, my image of S/M was a dominatrix in thigh-high leather boots, cracking a whip at a groveling computer engineer. While that image has strong roots in reality, SM101 has broadened that vision to include things I never imagined. More importantly, this excellent book has defined a context in which many things I have imagined make more sense.
While the information is well-researched and exhaustively tested by the author, what makes this book so useful is its readability. Any book can list a variety of erotic torture implements, but only Jay Wiseman can provoke the readers's imagination with his loving details and wistful anecdotes.
For a novice, this book provides a priceless introduction to an intimidating topic. For a jaded pro, this book is a definative reference which keeps the basics of this pleasure-sport alive.

I have a spiral bound copy of this book as well as this edition that I'm reviewing. The goal of the book is to make the novice safe -- usually the focus is on teaching the top partner but I think that the bottom partner could learn something too. This book won't make you safe, only practice and experience can do that, but it will give you basic guidelines on a very wide range of subjects so you can try things out slowly and with less risk. The overall feel is toward male top and female bottom (note please that the terms bottom and top or dom and sub are often refering to the same role) but there are sections specifically for other orientations and it written non-threatheningly so you can get value regardless of your role. It is a book I insist all my apprentices purchase and use.

Like the author, I was originally inspired into bondage by the book, "The Joy of Sex" and I utilized the techniques of tying, blindfolding and gagging ones partner.Even as a 25 year veteran of bondage, I found this text packed with useful information and learned a thing or two. Anyone either already actively involved in bondage or just starting should read this book. The safety techniques are considerations that many people ignore.I am amazed at the growth of this culture BUT equally amazed at those who try to participate without really knowing what they are doing. A excellent common sense book packed with information that is not necessarily common knowledge. And a must read for anyone already actively on bondage or those who want to be.

For any interested in the S&M lifestyle, this one is a MUST read for the safe, sane and consentual relationships that can be extremely fulfilling (or extremely disasterous when not handled safely.) Helpful hints for negotiation time, safewords...How to know when someone is "playing a scene" vs. being abusive, and much more to keep both the top and bottom safe and able to live with themselves (and/or each other) in the morning.

Jay Wiseman's SM 101 is rapidly becoming a classic, and rightly so. It should be required reading for anyone with the slightest interest in kinky erotic activities. There is a nice balance between safety considerations, both physical and emotional, and creative ideas for pleasing your lover in unusual ways.

As always, Wiseman emphasizes the necessity of consensuality, including how to find others who share your interests, and negotiating your activities. His background as a medical professional gives weight to his discussion of risks and safety precautions. There is also a wide range of ideas for creative play, from just slightly kinky to the truly bizarre.

As the title implies, and as Wisemen points out, this book provides an overview, a very comprehnsive one, but should not be your only source of information on the subject. He provides a helpful glossary and sources for additional information.