Charles Sackville

We are always led to understand that the wealth of erotic literature produced, mainly in France, in the late Victorian and Edwardian era. In those works that continue to be published we see a wide range of literary quality, and also considerable variety in the specific erotic activities which act as its subjects. Hints are given that those works which still appear are some way from representing the totality of what was originally produced, sometimes in limited editions for the edification of possibly jaded and unusual appetites. 'Whipping as a Fine Art' seems to originate from this obscure margin. As with much of the contemporary examples of the genre that has survived to this day, the book deals with the chastisement of nubile females. What distinguishes this example is the lack of any other activity, combined with the relentlessness of its application. The book has three sections, of which the first gives one tale, a second tale being then given in two parts. Throughout, the main character, Mr Howard, is described in his exercise on the rear, fleshy anatomy (and occasionally elsewhere) of a variety of subservient young women, using whips and birches. At best, consensuality appears only in the absence of alternatives, and the lack of humanity displayed is reminiscent of the famed Marquis. Its punitive monotone and lack of sany redeeming literary style make it suitable for those with such extreme tastes, but the majority of devotees of erotic chastisement will find this barely erotic.… (lisätietoja)