In this historical narrative of the private world of play, pleasure, and power, writer Peter Tupper seeks to answer questions of the origins of sadomasochism. A Lover’s Pinch places relationships and interactions involving corporal punishment and theatrics within the standard context of BDSM culture rooted in Freudian and Foucaultian theory. . . . A Lover’s Pinch offers essential context for students examining a comprehensive history of sexuality from a global perspective. Highly recommended.

Choice Reviews

Whether relaying juicy stories of Victorian gentleman with (consensual) sex slaves or explaining the connection between Robinson Crusoe and modern BDSM porn, Tupper uses his own extensive experience in the BDSM and sex-positive communities to add richness, humor, and authenticity to this fascinating book.

The Advocate

A Lover’s Pinch fills a void, and it dives to depths I couldn’t have imagined before I started reading . . . Peter Tupper has worked hard to “get it right”

Of Sex and Love

Peter Tupper’s remarkably detailed work answers two key questions: Where does BDSM come from? And, even more importantly, What does it mean? Whatever your interest in kink is, A Lover’s Pinch deserves a prominent spot among your references.

Ayzad, kink educator and author of "The Sexual Explorers Manifesto"

A selective, surprising, and thoroughly enlightening journey through the cultural history of sadomasochism. Accessible yet sophisticated, A Lover's Pinch will appeal to both general and academic readers alike.

Umni Khan, Joint Chair in Women's Studies, Carelton University

In this wonderful history, Peter Tupper has collected an unprecedented amount of historical detail and context on BDSM practices. Clearly the result of both exhaustive research and up-close-and-personal experience with the modern BDSM community, A Lover’s Pinch is filled with stories I’ve never heard before. It's an invaluable historical resource for sex researchers, experienced BDSMers, and newcomers alike.

Clarisse Thorn, author of “The S&M Feminist” and internationally renowned BDSM speaker