This is a great book on transsexuality, and to a lesser extent, on transgenderism. While Califia spends (understandably) a lot of time on the loudest and most transgressive transsexuals, she gives everyone a fair hearing in a way that most reviews of the subject don't. I did not feel she had an axe to grind in any direction, but was motivated by honesty and a fierce protectiveness. This is the first book on gender politics which I felt I could give to anyone of fair mind who was new to the subject

Most of you may know Pat Califia as a SM writer -- both fiction and non-fiction. This is one of Califia's non-fiction works. In 8 chapters, Califia tackles the public lives of several transgendered folks in the twentieth century. In no way does Califia endorse their views, in fact she points out that many of them are hardly gender radicals because they embrace very traditional views of gender roles. In many ways, this was quite sad to read. If you know that Califia has now become Patrick Califia you can read this book as both a historical and psychological analysis of the issue of transgenderism as well as a historical look at Califia's own personal journey. This book is not for those of you with very conservative views of sexuality or gender roles so if you buy it, it will make your upset but now you are warned.

The reviewer who claimed that Califia thinks that transexuals should not exist or change their bodies clearly did not read the book. Not only does she protect transexuals, transgenders and gender misfits in general, she praises transsexual Kate Bornstien lavishly, calling her brave, beautiful and brilliant.

What Califia does is question the binary categorization of gender, given that humanity is expressed on a spectrum of gender expression, not two distinct categories. Why do people feel the need to pathologize those that don't cleanly fit? Is changing our bodies giving in or resisting the binary gender discourse? In her introduction she makes clear that only the individual can decide what gender path to take, and that claims of objectivity in gender research or theory should be viewed skeptically. She ultimately upholds personal choice of gender expression, which is varied, not one-or-the-other, and attacks those who judge, medicalize, and pathologize those of! us who refuse to conform to one box or the other. Her chapter on the gender "scientists" of John Hopkins medical school was brilliant.

Excellent work, as usual, from Pat Califia.

Assassin of Gor, the third Gor book that I have read, is clearly inferior to the first two. The storytelling skills so evident in Priest-Kings of Gor and Nomads of Gor are as strongly displayed as ever but it suffers from flaws not present in the other two. Firstly, John Norman has become self-indulgent. He goes into far too much detail on the training and discipline of slaves. To some extent this is necessitated by the plot, a large portion of which takes place in the House of Cernus, the largest slave trader in the city of Ar (think ancient Rome). Nevertheless, it's more detail than I care to read. The counter-argument is that the detail adds to verisimilitude but if you choose this justification, then how do you account for the book's other major flaw: scenes that are so absurdly over-the-top as to be (unintentionally) laughable. Specifically, the slave auction in Chapter 19, the arena battle in Chapter 21, and the tarn race in Chapter 22 defy credulity. Also, the humor which contributed so much to Nomads is missing, but this is a minor quibble. One other point of note: this is the first story to show one of the Others, who were just hinted at in Nomads and become so prominent later in the series from what I have read on this website. The Other is kept offstage for most of the book but is seen briefly and at a distance near the end. On the whole I have to say that this was a fun read but it's not as good as Priest-Kings or Nomads.

Clearly "Nomads of Gor" is the most popular of the Gor novels by John Norman, but I would still argue that "Assassin of Gor" is far and away the most ambitious in the series. For that reason, I consider it the best of the Chronicles of Counter-Earth series. Certainly Norman never tried anything of this scope, either in terms of the size or the complexity of the novel, and there is a sense in which this is the last Gor book in which Tarl Cabot is more an Earthman on Gor than a true Gorean. "Assassin of Gor" begins with the title character, Kuurus, being hired to avenge the assassination of Tarl Cabot, a warrior of Ko-ro-ba. The trail leads to Glorious Ar where he finds political intrigue in the House of Cernus, agents of the Priest-Kings, spaceships arriving from Earth with new female captives, a dramatic auction of pleasure slaves, a thrilling tarn race, a climatic battle of gladiators, and a couple of intriguing games of Kaissa (the Gorean version of chess).

As with the best of Norman's books, "Assassin of Gor" is full of vivid characters. Elizabeth Caldwell is back as Cabot's chief ally in finding out why the House of Cernus wants him dead and how they are involved in the endeavors of the Others, the galactic foes of the Priest-Kings. There is also the return of a major character from earlier in the series and a brief flashback involving the fate of the last egg of the Priest-Kings. However, the depth of the book comes out in terms of the new characters, including Mip the Tarn Keeper, Sura the house slave, the new slave girls Phyllis and Virginia, the young warriors Relius and Ho-Sarl, Scormus the young Kaissa champion and Qualius the blind player, and Hup the Fool (my favorite). We also meet a major supporting character for future Gor novels, Samos the slaver of Port Kar.

The emphasis is still on the action and adventure in "Assassin of Gor" more than the Gorean philosophy that would come to dominate the later volumes in the series. Even by this fifth book in the series the principle that only by totally submitting to a master could a woman find true freedom, pleasure, etc., was pretty clear. I never really wanted a woman chained to my sleeping furs, so I tended to ignore those elements, especially as they became a repetitious mantra. For me the best Gor books were those that took the tradition of the Edgar Rice Burroughs Mars books with John Carter and upped the ante on the action. That is why "Assassin of Gor" is the best of the lot and why Norman never really tried to do anything this monumental ever again. In fact, the rest of the series would always suffer in my mind because of how far short the remaining volumes fell of the plateau of "Nomads" and "Assassin."

I know that "Nomads of Gor" is probably the most popular of the Gor novels by John Norman, but I think it is equally clear that "Assassin of Gor" is far and away the most ambitious in the series. For that reason, I consider it the best of the Chronicles of Counter-Earth series. Certainly Norman never tried anything of this scope, either in terms of the size or the complexity of the novel, and there is a sense in which this is the last Gor book in which Tarl Cabot is more an Earthman on Gor than a true Gorean. "Assassin of Gor" begins with the title character, Kuurus, being hired to avenge the assassination of Tarl Cabot, a warrior of Ko-ro-ba. The trail leads to Glorious Ar where he finds political intrigue in the House of Cernus, agents of the Priest-Kings, spaceships arriving from Earth with new female captives, a dramatic auction of pleasure slaves, a thrilling tarn race, a climatic battle of gladiators, and a couple of intriguing games of Kaissa (the Gorean version of chess).

As with the best of Norman's books, "Assassin of Gor" is full of vivid characters. Elizabeth Caldwell is back as Cabot's chief ally in finding out why the House of Cernus wants him dead and how they are involved in the endeavors of the Others, the galactic foes of the Priest-Kings. There is also the return of a major character from earlier in the series and a brief flashback involving the fate of the last egg of the Priest-Kings. However, the depth of the book comes out in terms of the new characters, including Mip the Tarn Keeper, Sura the house slave, the new slave girls Phyllis and Virginia, the young warriors Relius and Ho-Sarl, Scormus the young Kaissa champion and Qualius the blind player, and Hup the Fool (my favorite). We also meet a major supporting character for future Gor novels, Samos the slaver of Port Kar.

The emphasis is still on the action and adventure in "Assassin of Gor" more than the Gorean philosophy that would come to dominate the later volumes in the series. Even by this fifth book in the series the principle that only by totally submitting to a master could a woman find true freedom, pleasure, etc., was pretty clear. I never really wanted a woman chained to my sleeping furs, so I tended to ignore those elements, especially as they became a repetitious mantra. For me the best Gor books were those that took the tradition of the Edgar Rice Burroughs Mars books with John Carter and upped the ante on the action. That is why "Assassin of Gor" is the best of the lot and why Norman never really tried to do anything this monumental ever again. In fact, the rest of the series would always suffer in my mind because of how far short the remaining volumes fell of the plateau of "Nomads" and "Assassin."

I like to think I have an open mind about anything and sometimes that's a dangerous thing because some of us who truly believe we are open are in fact the most closed. All that withstanding on just the merits of a good storyline the book is mediocre. It's disjointed style makes it hard to stay interested. The main character of Doc is not given a soul for which we (the reader) should care about until the last few pages. Kind of late isn't it? Also Fluff, for all her bad and good virtures, miraculously becomes some sort of Angel that Doc just doesn't appreciate. Well I didn't appreciate the character switch. All the sex is violent so if you like that sort of thing have at it but to be honest I was expecting more than the few scenes doled out by Pat. I'll tell you that the sex was the least of this book's problems. If you just like futuristic hooey with a twist then read this book.

This book provided me with a very different perspective, one that I had yet to be exposed to in our paternalistic society. The concept of an all female society, where women do it all and some girls go most of their childhoods without even seeing a male. Although the society in this work of fiction has it's problems, as it certainly would if it were a reality, it's an interesting concept all the same. I found it helpful in getting me to think in some different ways. The sex and violence were disturbing, but an essential part of the story, this book is not for the feint at heart or easily offended. Creative, memorable, and well worth reading! -Sharice Lee Author: The Survivor's Guide-

Who would have thought that such a fast-moving, action-packed story could have so much else to offer as well. This one delves into the intricacies of relationships, provides an often satirical, but also a compassionate and understanding view of the politics in a lesbian-feminist community, and shares a spirituality related to the goddess.

While the politics and philosophy and raunchy sexual encounters are always there, the novel never loses sight of it's down-to-earth humanity.

Okay I picked up this book thinking that it was an erotic book on a taboo subject. It's just S/M in a role-playing set up. Did I think it would be incestuous fiction? Yes I did (I'll admit it). Unfortunately I didn't get that. So if that's what you're thining this book is and why you're buying it, keep on moving... unless you like big sweaty men disciplining and doing othe rbig sweaty men while being called 'Daddy'. There were a few heterosexual stories in there which were hot, but they were exception not the rule. So if you enjoy gay fiction, pick this up. If I had known I would have skipped it cuz that's not my thing. (no offense to those who like it, it's just that I don't)

Whilst I will rush out and buy *anything* Pat has written, it all rocks my socks, I was a tad disappointed with 'Doing it for Daddy'... I didn't really get into much of the bio-male content (but then I'm a ...) Having said that, it was all very well written, with fantastic imagery. I loved 'The Leather Daddy and the Femme', that was maybe my favourite story.

The very first time I read this book, I was shocked... the second time, I was intrigued, and now, I could read it cover to cover repeatedly and never get enough. This is some of the best S/M erotica I have ever read. Not surprising though coming from Pat, she has never let her readers down before. Looking forward to Doing It For Daddy 2!

The best thing about the Lessbian SM Safety Manual is that it allows those who do "BDSM" to talk about themselves. The worst thing is that it is an odd mixture of fiction and non-ficiton, not quite living up to its title. It would be better if it were a text denicated to safety and issues of importance to lesbians but istead the collection turns into a sounding board for those who fell they are being opposed.

This was the first SM "instructional" book I ever bought and even though this book is 12 years old as of this review, it still contains excellent information for anyone who wants to engage in consensual power exchange.

This book contains sections ranging from Emotional Safety to safe sex practices, what to do when a health problem arises, to the famous "Nine Degrees of Submission" by Diane Vera.

I even enjoyed the few "short stories" that can also be found here.

Everyone should read everything Califia has written - she is great.

For those not quite committed to exploring yet, Sensuous Magic might be a better place to start as it seems more aimed towards borderline vanilla folks.

I HAVE NOT READ THE BOOK JUST THE BASIC COMMENTS ABOUT WHAT THE AUTHOR STATED. I REALLY CAN'T RATE ANY OF THESE BOOKS.

I love this book and have given away oodles of copies.
Its advantages:

1)It is short.
2)It is rather comprehensive despite its shortness, and gives one terminology, some inkling of other people's practices, and introductions to outlandish behavior which just might intrigue you.
3)It has a mix of theory and story
4)Unlike many other publications which do the same, the fact that the Lesbian S/M manual assumes a female bottom does not offend me in the least.
5)It was my first S/M book and if it was good enough for me...

Not just for lesbians, this book has great info for everyone at all interested in kink.

Bluntly sexual, raunchy, heavy with BDSM, Rough Stuff takes the reader into some seriously non-vanilla realms. Some readers might find that it doesn't go far enough, but for a reasonably mainstream volume, I think it pushes the envelope just enough. If the sexuality of power and pain fascinates you, give this one a try.

One of the hottest books I've read this year and I'm a hetro woman. Loved it!

A friend turned me on to Rough Stuff, and I was really glad he did. I'm hardly a hard-core SM guy, but I found almost all the stories in the book to be well-written, erotic, and challenging. It's perfect one-handed reading, while providing compelling stories of the wilder side of sex. Nice job.

BitchGoddess: The Spiritual Path of the Dominant Woman, is a good read for any woman participating in or curious about BDSM sexual practices. This book is not a manual, but a collection of essays, personal accounts and poems that celebrate the image of the dominant woman through history. As any indivdual who lives life beyond societal norms knows, it can be very difficult to find proper reflection in media images. This book assures us that there is a place for the strong, sexually assertive woman in society. It also reminds us that it's nothing new! So if you're looking for instruction you may want to look to other titles. But if you want to wrap your mind around this inspiring archetype, or celebrate your own goddesshood, this is the book for you!

Do people do that kinky stuff just for sexual pleasure? The answer is no, and this anthology explores the reality that for some people, sex can be a means to spiritual empowerment. Both roles, submissive and dominant, are explored and explained from the view of "goddess" imaginery. While not a follower of this particular part of the "BDSM" umbrella, I did learn quite a bit from the essays and now can better understand when my partners say that I've helped them see "god" -- they should really say "goddess" though.

John Norman is obviously whipped. Why the heck else would he write a supposed "spice-up-your-love-life" book--and make it sound just like the Gor series?

Seriously, though, not only is the poor guy obsessed with the entire maledom/femsub thing--which is exactly why I suspect that he's "whipped--he thinks that *everyone's* fantasies involve bondage--which simply isn't so.

Norman's half-baked psychosexual philosophy is neither here nor there, but it doesn't extend to the ability to write sex guides. The highly touted "fantasies" typically run to a half a page. "I-Am-A-Slave-Girl Fantasy" = tie a naked gal up, intimidate her some, have her call the male "Master," take things from there. Period. This wasn't breaking startling new ground in 1974, and it sure tells no one anything now.

The previous reviewers failed to mention that 49 of the 50 listed fantasies are male-dominant (the exception being I-Am-A-Slave-Guy, with the sneering statement that some of us just can't manage to be manly 24-7). Norman states that all women are submissive boy toys deep down (repeatedly and at tedious length), and that any assertion to the contrary by the little darlings is self-evident denial. There's certainly a segment of the male population who would love to believe this, but I haven't found many women who admit to craving chaining and whippings if only a man would notice them.

First of all, yes the book contains Dominance and submission fantasies to explore with your love. Saying this, to those who are dismayed by the book and its explorations...if you dont like that kind of stuff? Why the heck did you buy the book? If you are a vanilla or just afraid of showing yourself as a true Man and a True woman...whether a woman who is considered as a Free Woman or a slave...then dont buy the book!

Saying that, I myself have loved this book from the beginning. I am a huge fan of the Gor novels and their philosophy toward life and relationships. Unlike the politically correct or the feminist fools, I am proud to be a MAN. I am as a Man a Master of myself my relationships and my fate. A woman is a natural submissive, unlike those females who think and strive to be men...only to fail at being what they are genetically and psychologically. Not that I am sexist, I am a realist and I am an "actualist", that being, someone who understands what is actual about the Male/female dichotomy.

If you want a realistic book that talks plainly and truthfully about being a Man and a woman, unlike your John Grays or Phillip McWhatever his name is...then get this book and BE A MAN!