Venus in Furs - Softcover

Von Leopold Sacher-Masoch, Ritter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 153313619X ISBN 13: 9781533136190

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2016

Synopsis

Most of us are familiar with the term "masochism," but few have read the scandalous story that gave a name to the fetish: Leopold von Sacher-Masoch's novella "Venus in Furs (Venus im Pelz)," first published in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1870. A sensational depiction of an erotic passion that defies the norms of nineteenth-century sexuality and gender, the story charts the stages of masculine obsession and collapse, leading a cultivated European aristocrat from his fantasy of abasement at the hands of a domineering woman to a climax of brutal physical violence. It remains a foundational work of modern culture, defining a sexual perversion while also offering a critical lens through which to view persistent structures of masculinity and power.

About this title

About the Author:

Leopold Ritter von Sacher-Masoch (27 January 1836 – 9 March 1895) was an Austrian writer and journalist, who gained renown for his romantic stories of Galician life. The term masochism is derived from his name.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.:

"Tread me underfoot!" I exclaimed, and flung myself face to the floor before her. "I hate all this play-acting," said Wanda impatiently. "Well, then maltreat me seriously." An uncanny pause. "Severin, I warn you for the last time," began Wanda. "If you love me, be cruel towards me," I pleaded with upraised eyes. "If I love you," repeated Wanda. "Very well!" She stepped back and looked at me with a sombre smile. "Be then my slave, and know what it means to be delivered into the hands of a woman." And at that moment she gave me a kick. "How do you like that, slave?"

About this edition

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 153313619X
• ISBN 13: 9781533136190
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 204