Sm 101 by Jay Wiseman (1998, Paperback, Illustrated)

When I first started reading, I was not sure this book was going to be all it promised to be. The writer seemed awkward and as though he were trying a little too hard. But as I pushed on the writing style relaxed and became naturally intelligent and actually very witty at times. The information was indeed from an educated and caring figure of the SM community.
I got this for what it was advertized as (an introduction), not really knowing where I fell in the spectrum. Most of the information on active practice seems geared towards the dominant, but reading it helped me realize that I am definately a sub, and so I would still recommend it (unless you know you are a sub, and only a sub, and you don't want to know the fine little secrets of your dominant's art). There is, however, a small area on submissive ettiqute which is also great. If you are really looking for a well informed/practiced writer and very complete book on the subject, I think this is a really great option. The author discuses technique and tips in great detail, finding a place in the community, what a healthy SM relationship should really be like, and more. He also never ever lets up on his advocation for safety and is constantly throwing in saftey tips. It never occured to me, some of the little things that can go wrong. He throws in a lot of little personal experiences and tidbits to bring points into reality. I also liked that he brought up the idea of the community needing to unite to stop and inform the negative ideas and taboos created by adult videos and bondage magazines that are portraying unsafe or unrealistic images of the actually safe and wonderful SM practices. The most important thing to me was that it was not written by someone acting out his fantasies or portraying what he wanted things to be like. It was written by an active, intellegent, caring member of a community that has too long been underground, who wishes to dispell myths and help us newbies understand this new bizzare world we for some reason want to enter. And of course, help us enter it in a safe and informed way. The only thing that I didn't like about this book so far is the poor editing. In my copy (the second edition), there are numerous little typos and some ill-phrased sentances. It can sometimes take away from the aura created by the smart writing and intoxicating subject, and it can also annoy. :) Otherwise, very useful book.

The book was exactly what I was hoping it would be: good value, good condition, and just the kind of basic instruction i was hoping to pass on to my friend. The seller let me know when it was sent and what type of shipping. Plus, I had a hard time finding the book until I came to Ebay.

This is a very good book to read to help understand the lifestyle a bit better and is a good compaion book for "Screw the Roses Send me the Thorns"

The book SM 101 by Jay Wiseman is an excellent reference manual for those interested in learning more about an alternative lifestyle. It goes through all the differences an individual can experience and experiment with. It also gives the pro and con's of each avinue.
The seller is wonderful to work with and I have bought many items from her.