The Romance and Sexual Sorcery of Sadomasochism - Screw the Roses

Very Beautiful Condition, Excellent Shape! No scuffs on any pages, autographed by Miss Molly in the front cover. Have enjoyed this book immensely and it is one of my favorites in my collection. Thank you so much!

While the content/hard facts supplied and ethos of this book is great (which is why it has had so many good reviews I guess), the proliferation of super-daggy b/w pictures from the late 80s really makes me cringe a bit (they are are not funny-daggy, just daggy-daggy) and I am not too comfortable with the baby-boomer-and-proud "offbeat" humour littered throughout the text (my parents are baby boomers; the thought of baby boomers doing BDSM is a real turn off for me). Jay Wiseman's SM101 is much the better book (the information is similar, but without the wisecracks, bad pics and smug references to whatever generation it is that he belongs to). I kind of regret getting this book and I would not recommend it others (unless there really were no other good BDSM books on the market) - but, to its credit, the information seems trustworthy and credible (which is why I do not regret buying it altogether). It's just that, had I known about its pitfalls I would have stuck to Jay Wiseman, the Knotty Boys and surfing the internet.

I am very pleased! Very Good, almost new Condition, came fairly quickly. I am enjoying it quite well. Thank you very much. I would definitely recommend and buy from you again!! Top notch service all the way!

The point of view of this book feels very limited; it seems to be written by a heterosexual male dominant for other heterosexual male dominants (primarily those who are new to BDSM and have little to no experience). I don't fit into either of those three categories and didn't get much out of the book. It also feels very dated and the casual joking tone of the writing (which I found quite annoying) sounded offhand and flippant, like the subject matter wasn't being presented with the seriousness it warranted.

Screw the Roses - Send Me the Thorns The Romance and Sexual Sorcery of Sadomasochism by Philip Miller, Molly Devon.

I was told over the last year by friends to get this old classic. The subject matter inside simply mystified me. How could someone derive pleasure from pain? And why if you loved or liked someone a lot, enough to get them naked or half naked let's say, would you want to deliver pain to them? Unless you were one of my ex-wives, right?

Many of us guys could say we've spent more than our fair share on roses over the years to please a lady and to somehow get her to like us. (Translation: get her clothes off.) Several thousand of us in the aftermath of a post 50 Shades phenom had no idea that we could have simply made a three buck trip to the dollar store to make a woman happy. Grab a dozen feet of hemp rope, a dog brush scratchy toy and one extra fly swatter. Pleased the little lady just fine somehow. Mystery for sure. My wallet is saying: bring on the dark side; sorry flower industry.

This book looks like it was produced on a photocopy machine and has over 200 B&W grainy pics of naughty S&M and bondage things and outfits folks wear and do to each other these days. You know, to keep a marriage alive.

Yes, I was impressed with how this book continues selling. How many books on any topic can boast being in their 28th printing? The work is a self publishing success story and has great legs, has endured over many newer and slicker versions on the same topic. The fun context, the humor and the overall light not too serious approach inside keeps this work popular through the decades outliving the untimely departure of Philip Miller. His beloved Molly Devon carries on in the leather community in Connecticut with her own publishing company, Mystic Rose, writing and remembering. Philip and Molly met in 1991 and wrote this book together in 1995 designing the cover themselves.

I'm glad I bought it. It's not quite yet on the coffee table when the in-laws come over. But I'm tempted. It's that fun. But I'm still trying to figure out what to do with these wilted roses. My flyswatter, however, is perky as ever.

Together Philip Miller, who is dominant, and Molly Devon, a submissive, has written a book that contains more or less everything you'd ever want to know about sadomasochism, bondage, dominance/submission, and alternative and different sexual and non-sexual relationships. They both have lots of experience, and when they wrote Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns, which was first published in 1995, they managed to put together what must be one of the most complete guidebooks ever written about these matters.

It's nothing new, there's thousands and thousands of help-yourself books dealing with human sexuality out there; but what makes this couple's contribution so different is that they write with a great sense of humor. And humor might not be the first thing you associate with stern Masters, tied-up slaves, and weird underground-clubs where people wearing freaky outfits do the freakiest things you could ever imagine.

But BDSM is, as the authors point out, something that's a great deal of FUN, and completely harmless and definitely not "wrong", as long as you know how to do it correctly. Some people want sex to be soft, sweet, romantic, and accompanied by the voice of Julio Iglesias. And some prefer to be tied up, whipped, humiliated, and dealt with brutally by a Master with a whip in his hand or a Mistress with stilettos and a thick strap-on. If you belong to this latter category, then please, don't miss this book.

Because this is one thorough piece of writing, written the perspective of the man being the dominant one with the woman being the submissive one, simply because that's how the authors' relationship looks. But as they themselves make very clear: their view of BDSM is not meant to be universal in any way, and thus both hetero- and homosexuals can make full use of this book.

Some of the issues dealt with include: what's it like being dominant? Being submissive? How do you communicate to make sure no one gets hurt? What different kinds of bondage techniques are there? How do you use your whip correctly? How do you furnish your dungeon? What kind of people can be found in the BDSM-scene? What material are you to use if you want to make your own toys?

And much, much, MUCH more. The book, furthermore, has a large number of pictures and illustrations, an extensive glossary, addresses to different companies and related organizations (mainly in the U.S. though), different internet addresses, fetish magazines, recommended books (both fiction and non-fiction), and more. So in other words, if you're into this way of life, no matter if you're experience or a beginner, you'll sure to find this book a real bargain. The only setback is the constant sense of humor that permeates every part of the book. Sometimes the text deals with quite serious stuff, and on these occasions the humor is nothing but redundant. However, this setback must still be considered to be only a minor one.

"Screw The Roses; Send Me The Thorns" is a fantastic book from two active members of the scene. The late Philip Miller, and his submissive Molly Devon wrote this *must* have book. They are familiar with eachother and the scene, with a twist of sardonic humor yet with a sensitive manner. They approach the issues at hand in a humoristic and warm way. Never does a person feel as if they are being "talked down to."
For those that are new/novice, to those that are senior members - this book provides a constant stream of information that is constantly updated. The book takes the basics, and gives the reader those definitions and explanations that will enable them to learn. Next, more information is then given for those that want to continue to explore. A fantastic reference book for those that are interested in gaining accurate information!
Fantastic series of resource listings in the back of the book! [re: BBS's, Periodicals, Groups & Organizations, Leather Resources [stores], Leather Resources [support], etc.]

With all the reviews on this book I expected more, but I guess BDSM just wasn't my thing or I need more of a "what to do" kind of book to show me different ideas to preform, not just how to tie knots.

I received an autographed issue, one of the very first to come off the press back in 90-something. Some pages, 110-115(I think) were blank... what a bummer! However, if I remember correctly the missing pages were offered shortly after the release SO, if you're looking at a first edition then I'd suggest you ask about the blank pages.

I'm no novice to this lifestyle but maybe because I find the topic and lifestyle so exciting is why I don't think this book is strictly for the novice. There are photos and instructions for toy making. It's one that will never wind up in a yard sale. Buy it and enjoy it!

This book is absolutely outdated and contains some perfectly awful information for beginners, including using a BDSM scene as therapy for assault. I'm not sure why it keeps getting recommended to beginners after all these years, but there are so many more current books out there that do a much better job. It belongs in the dust bin or they need to go through and update it.

With 25 five star reviews another is hardly necessary. But this book is everything it should be. its funny, its informative, its approachable and its fun! Easily the best "how to" book on D/s SM ever written.
"Screw the roses" covers most topics in SM play: bondage, spanking, humilation, flogging, types of whips, gear, contact groups, medical issues, safety issues, post-scene comforting and mental aspects. It goes into details on all of the less extreme practices. It treats the more extreme things such as breath play or cutting much more briefly, pretty much warning people off them.
It is full of practical advice and good safety tips. These are punctuated with amusing and erotic personal anecdotes that help keep the reading fun and light. One of the things I most admire about "Roses" is that safety is practically a mantra repeated through out the book. Overall a must have book.

Not a bad book for the newbie. Everyone should read through a guide like this before getting involved in S/m at any level. Good sections on rope and how to use it. Thorough explanation of the various implements used on a sub. Where to hit, how to hit, etc. Plenty of info on public play/community which was probably a godsend for many back in 1995, but is a bit outdated today. It doesn't hurt to understand that perspective though if you're just getting into this in these more accepting times.

Many of the diagrams and pictures are helpful and informative. Some aren't. None of them are really meant to excite anyone. And the front cover is easily the sexiest image in the book. And this isn't filled with stories to titillate you. That isn't the point of the book.

A lot of stuff is common sense, but again, its nice to get things set in your head before playing. The things you do pick up are likely to be valuable. I'd recommend this to anyone interested in this type of play.

What makes this book stand out, apart from its comprehensiveness, is the unintimidating tone and presentation of the topic. Of particular value is the care taken to explain the value of a psychologically sound approach to S/M, and how to work out a stable framework in which the depth and boundaries of this sexual practice can safely be explored. This integrated mind-body perspective is invaluable in S/M, and the authors are to be gratulated for keeping it firmly in mind throughout the book, always pointing to it in an accessible way. They also do a great job of identifying what to watch out for when getting in touch with others in the scene. Having emphasized my appreciation for the psychological value of this boo, I would like to say that this book does contain enough hands-on instructions and material to keep most folks busy for years (it even includes suggested contracts & questionnaires). Miller & Devon's enthusiasm is immediate in the text, and quite contagious!

Screw The Roses, Send Me The Thorns was recommended to me by a gentleman friend who knew I was new to the scene and wanted to learn more about it. It's gives direct, easy descriptions delivered in a funny way that keeps you feeling like you'll have fun if you try it, not trying to scare you off or tell you what to do. The gentleman wasn't lying when he said you'd turn back to the book time and time again, and that it would become your handbook many times over. Most importantly, it teaches you how to have safe and delicious fun whether you're new or experienced. A definite buy!!!!

We all know that scene newbies need safety advice, to learn how to wield a whip, how to hook up with others, all that important stuff. Many, many books accomplish that basic stuff fairly well.
But Philip and Molly provide all necessary clues for the clueless in a book much more enjoyable than most, full of cartoons, humor and lots of hot pictures. While you can learn the basics a lot of places, few authors manage to make it such an enjoyable experience.
Told from a primairly male dom/female sub perspective, the book remains useful to pansexual perverts of all stripes.

I purchased this book from the store.com and found it to be very worth the money. I am a novice with no experience whatsoever, with the intent to encourage my unknowing partener to be my 'dom.' This book includes terminology tips and safety warnings that I found useful to my building know about SM. The one setback is this: it does not say much about how to encourage a man to be dominant, only how to encourage a woman to be your submissive. I am looking for more information about that. Otherwise: a wonderful book.

This is a good introductory guide on BDSM for heterosexual, male dominant and female submissive couples and for others who view BDSM as a form of sexual and romantic play. It is not, as some reviewers both on the book itself and elsewhere, claim the most complete BDSM guide today -- it never claims to be that either. It is simply what it claims, one couples' view of BDSM that may click well with others of a similar bent. However, the tone is a bit sarcastic at times and a bit "in scene" at other times and this may confuse very new people so I recommend other books such as the "Topping Book" and the "Bottoming Book" by Greenery Press first and if you can find a copy, Pat Califia's "Sensuous Magic" as a basic intro to the activities of SM. In 1,000 words there is little time to go into all the good and bad points about this book but I hope this can aid in deciding whether or not to buy.

This is a comprehensive overview of many topics associated with the S&M lifestyle.(ex- clothing, terminology,etc.). Being a novice with very limited experience in this area, I found the book very imformative and useful because of my great curiosity about what excites me sexually. It seems that our society looks down on anything that is not "normal," which makes interest in any sexual experimentation that is not "approved" seem perverse and unacceptable. Although I can not vision myself a participant in any "club" that openly displays bondage, etc., I admire the attitude that when two loving individuals want to enhance their sexlife without causing any harm, except with mutual consent, this is a healthy situation and not perverted because it involves bondage and/or S&M. Although I think the information is important, particularly some of the DO NOT'S listed, which can cause harm either physically or mentally, I did not feel arroused after reading this book. Maybe too much information (or "reality")can be a turnoff; like the fact that just before having sex for the first time, some talking is essential in making sure everything is "right," it is a turnoff to start saying "You know I respect you as a person, etc." which will quickly kill the "mood." This book, with ample pictures, interferes with a certain "fanatsy" element of mine that is personal and not always in tune with the presentation. The true "fun" comes from discovering with your partner what truly "turns you on" without having the author(s) demonstrating "techniques." My advice would be to read this, probably have your lover read it or at least discuss certain ideas mentioned, but do not have the book out when actually "experimenting."

I highly recommend this book for all people who are inerested in learning about BDSM in its many facets. Even if you are an experienced player,this book should be on your shelve as a reference guide. I continually refer back to this book for helpful hints,good ideas and updates. The only thing I did nit like ,which is a personal opinion, was instead of being written from a general point of view, it is definitely written from a male dominant one. I understand authors write from thier own perspective, but I felt for a general guide to BDSM, a view from all gender aspects or a non-gender one may have been better.

This book is absolutely delightful. It's informative and humorous. I'd like to give it 4.5 stars, but the store.com won't let me.
Rather than repeat what everyone else has already said about this book's many, many good points, I'll just point out my two teensy little criticisms.
First, even though I know the authors explained the whole bit about their having a male dominant/female submissive perspective, I still found that this detracted slightly from my enjoyment of the book. I know writers should write what they know, and I also understand that putting in a whole lot of that "his or her" stuff can make for some very awkward sentence construction. Nevertheless, a hefty portion of the population (myself included) is going to feel a little weird reading, "OK, guys, here's what to do when your submissive lady needs a..."
My other criticism, and this is a very minor one, concerns the parodies of the "forgettable characters" on pages 45-47. They're funny, but judgmental. I found the "Very Married, but..." section kind of rankled--maybe it hit a little close to home. The authors should be aware that there are thousands of people out there who are otherwise happily married to vanilla spouses, and are tempted to play outside their marriage, but refrain from doing so on principle. I think that's commendable. I don't think that remaining faithful despite temptation indicates a "lack of courage". Quite the contrary. It's the spineless ones who cheat. The rest of us either convince our spouses to engage in some light play (the lucky ones) or find a harmless outlet, like chatting. People who are fortunate enough to have come to terms with their kinks while they are young and single are just that - fortunate - not superior.
Overall, though, I agree with what everyone else is saying - this book is terrific.

This book is in desperate need of a makeover. The illustrations and photography are HORRIBLE. They are so bad, in fact, that I had a hard time taking the written content seriously. I would not recommend this book for anyone, because the presentation is so amateurish. As an alternative, I'd highly recommend Tristan Taormino's "The Ultimate Guide to Kink: BDSM, Role Play and the Erotic Edge."

This book is wonderful for people with all levels of BDSM knowledge. It's a great way to get you and your partner on the same page as to what to expect when you play. This book offers well thought out opinions on, proper techniques, club etiquette, why we like what we do, and how to know when you're doing it correctly. Too many of us try to just "jump in" with little to no information. That's how people get physically and emotionally hurt. This book really helps people to have the best BDSM experience possible, weather it is beginning, intermediate, or advanced.. It's well written, casual and humorous too! I personally have recommended this book to hundreds of couples, and singles, with all levels of BDSM knowledge in the Washington Metro area and I know I will continue to do so for many more years to come.

The authors' light yet informative discussion of this subject make this book a must-read for the curious, the new practitioner and the light-at-heart lover of sm (sadism and masochism). I thought the chapter on 'the politics of very strange bedfellows' was hilarious yet true to life - you can find the 'Semper Infidelis', the 'Barnum Maximus', the 'Erectus Perpetua' and the 'Femme Desparata' at almost any bdsm gathering or website. There were some very helpful hints in the book - for example I witnessed a woman being burned clumsily by a person who would have known to hold the dripping candle more than a couple of inches from her body had he read the 'Fire and Ice' advice in the book (start a several feet away and gradually get closer).
All in all I am glad I read the book - it has kept me safer, saner and a lot less serious in the practice of this wonderful game.

For me this book was wonderful read. It taught me about being many different safety issues and the proper way to do things. It has a chapter on making your own toys and how to save money when furnishing your dungeon. It talks about safety. I highly recommend this book to anyone that wishes to practice sm or just wants to learn about it.

this is a wonderful book for beginners and novices alike, also great for those who are just curious. it was given to me as a gift and i loved it :) it has great tips and advice and explains the general guidelines for safety quite well. i recommend it to anyone who is curious about bdsm.

Thank goodness this book was written! The style is quirky and funny, the subject Submission and Domination. Written by a loving couple with loving couples in mind, it does touch (sometimes roughly!) on game play, the joy of surrender and yearning, the 'chess game' mental anticipation of s/m. It ain't all leather and lace, it is a lifestyle choice. the authors cover the safe use of ropes, toys, restraints and pain as a form of sexual sport s/m rarely gets. Good s/m takes HOURS and this book describes the process and results with good cheer and truthfull expertise. The photos are informational and often passionless, but some will open many eyes and conversations.

Kinky, but sadly..not very filling. It has some infomation on how to construct random items in bondage, medical info on where to hit and not, medical info on where to not tie a person up, GREAT humor, a FEW good photos..but much else..not too much else.
Sadly, for such a beautful and kinky name and cover..it don't quite live up to it all. Still good with the info, GREAT for mewbies..or those curious. Nothing for novice and seasoned players.

This book as as entertaining as it is informative. The wonderful couple that gifted us with this insight into their world, beckons anyone who dares to travel their path.

Never before have I ever encountered such a well explained wealth of knowledge, on such a "taboo" subject, that admittedly, I myself had misconceptions about. Now I am a part time player, and couldn't be enjoying it more. This book sheds much warranted light into this dark play.

Not only for novices, and veterans, this book is a good read for even the slightly curious. If anything you will have a better idea about the lifestyle, and will recieve a good chuckle or two.

This book is absolutely outdated and contains some perfectly awful information for beginners, including using a BDSM scene as therapy for assault. I'm not sure why it keeps getting recommended to beginners after all these years, but there are so many more current books out there that do a much better job. It belongs in the dust bin or they need to go through and update it.

This book is an introduction to BDSM. It is written for the curious and those already in the lifestyle. It is written with wit and sensitivity and contains photographs and illustrations. The photographs need updating as they are reminiscent of Victorian still pics found in some porn.
I would recommend it though as a beginner's information source on BDSM.

As Someone who has been involved in the BDSM scene long before the current flood of interest I have been in the situation of having to explain the elemetary point of BDSM philosophy hundreds of time. Now I can refer them to 'Screw the Roses...'. Before this book there was no really accessible source of information from a such knowlegable individuals without personal interaction, something that many do not have the benefit of. The presentation is fun and informative. An Excellent introduction. I look forward to more from these A/authors.

A good overall guide to the alternative lifestyle. Miller & Devon especially do a great job of familiarizing the reader with the various interests within the community as well as introducing the full gamut of variations available to D/s and BDSM enthusiasts, and they provide a clear and non-threatening exposition of the "safe, sane and consensual" approach to erotic sensation play and D/s relationships. Bravo!

This is the ultimate book for anyone interested in S&M, B&D, D&S or CP, "The Joy of Sex" for alternative lifestyles. I recommend this book over any others on this subject. Nothing is more informative, educational, enjoyable, or on the mark. It explains the mystery without destroying the mystique. A must for anyone the least bit curious, but afraid of exploring their darker desires.

This book is an excellent foundation for your new (or renewed) adventures in BDSM. Clear, well written and truthful about the risks, this book provides safety tips, insightful psychology and hands-on ideas for BDSM play. Thank you authors! This is a must-have for any start-out players, I'm going to give it as a gift to newbies and any new subs.

This is a hot, funny, sexy information filled book that teaches all about S/M. I highly recommend this book to any person of like mind who wants to seek the truth about the the romance and sexual sorcery of sadomasochism.

Everything was great with this transaction. I only got to read a little of it before Sir whisked it away with him. He is working out of state so I won't get to finish until I am able to reunite with Him.

This book has become the bdsm Bible, so to speak. Screw The Roses teaches the novice as well as reminds the experienced the importance of the words ...Safe sane and conscentual. Very well written. Factual and non pornographic. A joy to read!