BDSM Books | 5 Must-Read Kinky Classics

Despite what we think about kink and fetish being a relatively new modern-day sexual practice, it has, like all human sexuality, existed in some form or other since humans have. As a result, the fetish & BDSM lifestyle has been explored in BDSM literature by authors for centuries. So let's look at five classic kinky BDSM books that are well worth checking out.

Classic BDSM books 1. The Story of O, Pauline Réage (real name Anne Desclos), published 1954

With very explicit scenes of sadomasochistic violence and aggressive penetrative sex, The Story of O was about as hardcore as mainstream novels got in 1954 - let alone within the genre of BDSM books. The author used a pen name, but in 1994 writer Anne Desclos revealed that she had written The Story of O during an interview with a British journalist - she was 86 at the time. Sadly she passed away in 1998, but she left behind maybe one of the most controversial BDSM books ever written.
 

The sadomasochistic mood is set from the start, as O, a glamorous photographer, is ordered by her Dominant lover, Rene, to get into his car and strip. She's taken to a nearby chateau and introduced to some secret society members. So begins her training to be a 'good submissive.' Eventually, she was gifted to her lover's stepbrother, Sir Stephen, whom she fell in love with. However, there is a lot more; it includes scenes that depict branding, piercing, and being used by others. The book is not for the faint-hearted, but that's why it is on this list, and probably others like it.

Classic BDSM books 2. Venus in Furs, Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, published 1870

Whereas The Story of O featured the woman being submissive, in Leopold von Sacher-Masoch's book, Severin takes the submissive role. Severin is infatuated with a woman, Wander, so he asks to be her slave. At first, she declines his requests and suggestions of things she could do to him, but eventually, she starts humoring him and discovers a liking for it all. Ultimately, that relationship comes to a crisis point when Wanda meets a man she wishes to submit to. 
 

Primarily told through conversations between characters, Severin is a man with an almost clinical desire to be mistreated by cold, cruel women in high heels and red lipstick. Psychiatrist Richard von Krafft-Ebing subsequently used the author's name to describe certain bondage activities, hence 'masochism.'
 

Reading BDSM books is a great way to tickle your imagination and get inspired. 

Classic BDSM books 3. Delta of Venus, Anais Nin, published 1977 but written in the 1940s

Delta of Venus is a book of fifteen short erotic stories initially written in the 1940s for a private client known only as the 'Collector.' The collection was published after Anais's death in 1977.

Anais Nin was the wife of fellow writer Henry Miller. Nin realized there was a disparity between how Miller wrote about his sexual experiences and the language she used herself. Consequently, she decided to explore desire, lust, and fantasies through BDSM literature from a female perspective. 

The bondage element in this BDSM book is pretty low level. However, with artist models dry humping a wooden horse, serial killer lovers, and tight-fitting cock rings, the emphasis is definitely on the kinky side of sexual pleasure. 
 

This BDSM literature kinky classic is a wild and hedonistic ride. Nin touches on the Nazi occupation of France, sexually frustrated priests, underage sex, necrophilia, and promiscuity. However, the Dominant theme throughout Delta of Venus is sexual freedom.

Classic BDSM books 4. Justine, or The Misfortunes of Virtue, Donatien Alphonse François de Sade, or the Marquis de Sade, published in 1791

If age makes something a classic, then De Sade's work is maybe the Grandfather of all the others on the list. Initially written in De Sade's native French, he penned it while in prison in the Bastille for various sexual 'crimes.' It's more of a novella than a novel. Unlike his later work, it is written in a more classical style with less of the obscenity that his later work is known for.

Therese recounts her life story to Madame de Lorsagne (who turns out to be Justine's long-lost sister). Moreover, she explains that while searching for a home and employment, she became the sexual plaything of numerous kinky perverts - this signaled her initiation into the raunchy world of sadomasochistic sex. 

This BDSM literature kinky classic includes themes of torture, humiliation, and imprisonment. However, these are artfully blended with passages in which De Sade explores his feelings on vice instead of virtue.

Classic BDSM books 5. Belle de Jour, Joseph Kressel, published in 1928

We're sure you've heard of the name Belle de Jour because it was the pen name used by Brooke Magnanti when she wrote her infamous blog Belle de Jour: Diary of a London Call Girl. The inspiration for that name came from this kinky classic novel which tells the story of Séverine and how she fulfills her masochistic needs working as a sex worker during the day while her husband is at work.

While this is not the most sexually graphic book on the list, it's a fascinating read that explores sexual disaffection, secrets, jealousy, and eventually attempted murder.

Have you read any of these BDSM books? Let us know in the comments below. Join Fetish.com for free and meet fellow kinksters near you.
 

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