Sadomasochism was the sexual phenomenon of the 1990s, a major influence on art, fashion, lit. & thought. But for too long masochists themselves have taken things lying down. Now, for the first time, Phillips challenges the myths about masochism to reveal a striking picture of human longing, curiosity & eroticism. She provides a stepping stone into new levels of feminist debate & cultural theory. Phillips has a wonderful undogmatic way about her, & a sense of vigorous joy. Riveting stuff.Ó Phillips's beautiful, complex writing untrammels the masochist from the bonds of censoriousness, disgust & denial.

Ó Contents: Art into Sickness; The Overspill; Belladonna; The Fierce Order of Virility; Reckonings; The Uses & Abuses of Suffering; & A Notebook.