Introduction: Sadomasochism--the Subculture and Its Place in History and Literature The Language of Sadomasochism Glossary Form and Substance in the Language of Sadomasochism Appendix: Publications Related to Sexual Sadomasochism
Thomas E. Murray was a professor in the Department of English at Kansas State University. Among his publications are The Language of St. Louis, Missouri, Apects of American English, The Language of Handspinning, Dialogue Graffiti in American English, and articles in American Speech, Names, SECOL Review, Maledicta, and other journals. Thomas R. Murrell has a PhD in 20th-century American literature from Ohio State University.
First, this is a serious pioneering work of linguistic scholarship.
It is inspired by the work of David W. Maurer (Language of the
Underworld, CH, Mar' 82), who believed that the study of underworld
argot provided valuable information on the relationship of language
and culture. In this instance, a most singular subgroup employing a
highly unique set of special terms is being recorded. Sadomasochism
has been called the last taboo and is rarely the conversation topic
of choice at most polite gatherings; there is, however,
considerable evidence that it too is beginning to edge out of the
shadows. The authors in their detailed preface define sadomasochism
and indicate their methodology. The core of the study is the
glossary of terms specifically used in practicing the various forms
of SM. The entries are succinct and blunt; many if not most of the
implied activities are almost beyond close consideration unless one
is an initiate. Since this information is derived directly from
personal ads or speciality publications there is no reason to doubt
the authenticity. From time to time in the glossary the authors
seem to be reaching; it is likely that both stewardess and travel
mean nothing more in this context than the standard meaning. As a
pioneering study, this has to rank with the remarkable work by
Roger D. Abrahams on black urban culture, Deep Down in the Jungle
(1964), which formally recorded the street rhymes popularly known
as the dirty dozens. As a reference book this will be useful to
advanced students of abnormal psychology, law enforcement,
linguistics, medicine, and sociology.
*Choice*
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