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Venus in Furs
This classic book by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch is acclaimed for its portrayal of sadomasochism and female dominance.
First published in 1870, Venus in Furs was a pioneering work which featured sadomasochistic erotica. Strongly modelled on the author's own life, we see the male protagonist confront his obsession with cruel women by reading a manuscript entitled Memoirs of a Suprasensual Man.
In this frame story we are introduced to Severin von Kusiemski, who sees potential in a woman he knows - Wanda von Dunajew - to dominate him. He encourages Wanda to progressively degrade and dominate him to ever greater degrees - initially puzzled by his requests, Wanda soon comes to enjoy the process.
Severin soon coins the term 'suprasensuality' for the sensations he feels when masochistic to Wanda. Soon he changes his name to 'Gregor' - a generic Russian moniker adopted by servants - and Wanda steps up the action by hiring three African women to aid her in dominating Severin utterly.
Hailed for its bold exploration of themes hitherto disregarded in literature, Venus in Furs is much-referenced in popular culture, and has been adapted for stage performance and as a motion picture.
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