The second edition was published in 1983 and 1989, and the first edition has been reissued. Both contain information on setting the scene, fantasy, and role-playing. Scene vignettes are scattered throughout. While this is important, the earlier edition is an interesting document of a seminal period in gay male SM history. Edited by Pat Califia, the book includes chapters by Dana Rosenfeld, Karen Johanns, Dorothy Allison, Beth Brown, Cynthia Astuto, and Diane Vera.
Topics range from emotional safety to penetration to first aid.
Vera's essays on submission and slavery have been widely reprinted and distributed within the community. Although there are slicker and more comprehensive instructional guides available today, this book remains an important work, and the only one written for lesbians. This is not the place to learn about edge play. The book devotes a significant amount of attention to genital sex. It's also a good book to give to vanilla friends and relatives.