The classics of BDSM literature: BDSM books review by Anoeses

Imagine the BDSM world as an extreme sport. It's supposed to be fun, entertaining, and you can gain a lifetime experience from it. But you don't dive into it without any knowledge. You learn fundamental things about how not to hurt yourself and other human beings.

If you don't want to be a wannabe (someone who claims to be knowledgeable about BDSM but he/she isn't), you should read some literature to feel comfortable and safe practicing BDSM.

And we prepared a list of educational books, which can help you to understand the kinky community, find yourself in its diversity, and sort out your desires.

1. Safe, Sane, and Consensual: Contemporary Perspectives on Sadomasochism by Langdridge, D., & Barker, M.

This book is highly recommended for people who try to understand the BDSM community in a social context. It gives a high spectrum of history and investigates SM from the non-pathological point of view. We couldn't agree more that a series of false assumptions surround the kink world, and this book has its aim to ruin or paraphrase them. On the other hand, you may notice that 'Safe, sane, and consensual' reveal more questions than answers. Yeah, it's true. But this gives you more space to make your own decisions and, maybe, to find inspiration.

2. Radical Honesty by Brad Blanton

Top, top, top! Even if this book is not specifically about BDSM, it gives a lot of self-reflection. Be ready that it can sometimes be bold and brutal because it's Brad Blanton's style. He kind of drives the truth about a human lies into our heads.

So, 'Radical Honesty' is about how to tell the truth about yourself and how this decision can change your life. The lie, from the author's perspective, is a sign of neurosis, a refusal to accept what is happening in the present. And we should change it in 3 steps: revealing the fact, expressing feelings and thoughts and demythologizing ourselves. It sounds like something everyone should learn to express sexual desires. Right?

3. The New Topping Book by Dossie Easton and Janet W. Hardy

We included both books about tops and bottoms into our list because they are absolute gold! The first is one about tops. Don't think that it's a how-to guide, it's not. Authors investigate a dom as a personality and what traits he/she should have. The keynote is that they are playing with fire. If you are going to top, you want to make sure that it is safely contained. That kind of responsibility allows being creative, to experience empathy, to feel powerful.

Worth to mention the chapter about the top drop. After reading it, you'll understand why not only the bottom may need some aftercare. This info can be very helpful for subs.

4. The New Bottoming Book by Dossie Easton and Janet W. Hardy

In this book, the authors explain the character of a bottom. They define it as someone who can eroticize, or enjoy sensations, or emotions that would be painful in another context. Dossie and Janet lighten up the idea that the main thing for subs is to explore themselves. What arouses me? What turns me off? What are the things I absolutely don't want to do?

Bottoms are flying, and tops keep them from going over the edge. 'You, as a bottom, are a crucible. You take the top's energy into you. Within you, liquefied with the heat of spirit and sex, that energy swirls together with your own energy, and turns into something stronger, sharper, brighter than either of you could generate alone.'

5. Venus in Furs by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch

The extremely controversial book then and now. It certainly made sort of cult following. It's worth mentioning that the word masochist, very well known in the BDSM world, a case of the author's last name.

So, this novel is about Severin, who has a kink to be submissive to a woman. Someone as beautiful as the goddess Venus. And he met Wanda von Dunajew. She is recently widowed. He tells her what his deepest desires are. As we don't want to spoil you the pleasant reading, we won't tell you anything more. If you like fiction and sometimes your role plays include literature characters, you should read this book. Maybe your next impersonation will be Wanda or Severin.

Did you enjoy these reviews? Let us know on Instagram or Twitter if there are themes you would like to have a list of books on. See you, kinky friends!

To discover more about Anoeses, sexualities, BDSM and connect with our community, follow @anoeses.education.