An academic friend recently asked about BDSM in critical theory. These books are a good start. They’re philosophy and lit-crit, not whacking material.

Lynda Hart, Between the Body and the Flesh

Strong, feminist, lesbian-centered discussion of BDSM as a way to reclaim sexuality, the body, and power in the face of society’s erotophobia.

Thomas Moore, Dark Eros

Thomas Moore, former Catholic monk, looks into the Marquis de Sade. Moore later went on to write the bestselling Care of the Soul, which is beautiful, humane, and insightful. So is this book. Also probably the most accessible of these books for a casual reader.

Gilles Deleuze, Masochism: Coldness and Cruelty & Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, Venus in Furs

In moderately dense prose, Deleuze argues that the sadist and masochist are actually two different types. Von Sacher-Masoch makes you want to beat him, which is, of course, the point.

Feel free to suggest other titles!