Both of the authors, Dossie Easton and Janet W. Hardy, have been involved in the BDSM scene for decades. They have both been mentors and educators. They have a ton of amazing experience that shines in this book. They have played together, and relate that information readily about how they learned how to play safely. Both of them are willing to talk about mistakes they made and how they fixed it which I appreciate. They aren't perfect, and they teach you how to address problems as they come up.

They wrote this book in such a way that is progresses from light basic things into the more complex. They ease a reader into BDSM and the concerns that arise which is great for beginners.

This book is a great blend of lecture on theory with personal accounts. There is so much information in here about how to maintain safety both on a physical and emotional level. This book seems to be written for beginners, and in some ways it is, but it also addresses a lot of things that more experienced players have difficulties with.

The two different authors blend their voices well and are easily understood by players of all experience levels. This book is a must have for anyone who plays on the BDSM level at all.

This is a smaller trade paperback sized book. It's easily slipped into a back pocket of a pair of jeans or a purse. Sure the cover isn't the most discreet, but it is not covered with naked folks having sex at least. It's got a great thick paper that is great for highlighting or taking notes in the margins. It's a sturdy little book that has been with me through several moves and now readings without any noticeable damage.

I purchased this book when I was dabbling in the realm of BDSM. I devoured it and thought that I had learned everything I needed to know. I stuck it on a shelf and forgot about it for years. I recently went back to read it again to write a review on, and I was blown away at how much information I could still glean from it after having much more experience.

I am mostly a bottom, although I am a switch, and this book still had a ton of information that was important for me to know. Just because you aren't a top doesn't mean that this book isn't for you.