From Library Journal
That individuals sometimes derive sexual pleasure from submission to cruel discipline is no longer a dark secret hidden in society's closet. As witnessed in many popular movies, sadomasochism has entered the mainstream. How it achieved this status and, more important, its origins are the focus of this scholarly work. Noyes (German and literary theory, Univ. of Cape Town, South Africa) claims that although literary references to the practice date back to the 16th century, it was largely an invention of the late 19th century?an attempt to understand individuals for whom the economy of reward and punishment, on which society was thought to be based, broke down and failed. Noyes explores the work of Viennese physician Richard von Krafft-Ebing, who coined the term masochism, and he documents the evolution of the concept with scenes in literature from John Cleland's Fanny Hill to Pauline Reage's Story of O. This well-researched and penetrating study, geared to academics and the most informed lay readers, is recommended for academic libraries.?David R. Johnson, Fayetteville P.L., Ark.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
