As a companion book to "Master/slave Relations: A Handbook of Theory and Practice," Dr. Robert Rubel has a tougher time negotiating the world of submissives. As in his "Master/slave Relations" book, "Protocol Handbook for the Leather Slave: Theory and Practice," covers the basics thoroughly. In his astute introduction, Dr. Rubel makes the distinction between Leather and Not-Leather when it comes to BDSM and the D/s lifestyle, which is a truly useful reminder of what separates lifestylers from weekend warriors. The first couple of chapters go a long way toward establishing plenty of essential dos and don'ts. Frankly, most of them are just teaching your slave (or perhaps yourself) decent manners. Like in the "Master/slave Relations: Handbook," "Protocol Handbook for the Leather Slave" maintains that protocols are the key to a successful D/s relationship.
However, protocols only work if they make sense. As the book progresses, "Protocol Handbook For The Leather Slave" veers dangerously close to absurdity. For example, in Chapter Six there is a passage that reads, "In certain instances, the slave will serve as Master's chauffeur. This will include proper dress as a chauffeur, including cap and blazer." Now, if you happen to be a Master who has no concept or idea of your slave pulling the '88 Ford F-150 around to the driveway for pick-up services (or for that matter, wouldn't be caught dead with a slave in a chauffeur's get-up), then what passes for protocol here comes off as over-theatrical and perhaps even silly. Same goes for the intricately detailed dinner plans, which are a bit over the top. If I wanted to go to finishing school, I would have enrolled or my Master would have enrolled me. While High Society may be enticing behavior for some leatherfolk, not all leatherfolk engage in High Society. Some of us don't even own a tux.
Dr. Rubel does offer himself an out early in "Protocol Handbook for the Leather Slave" when he declares the origins of the book to be "my own personal manual of protocol for my own slave," and a page or so later offering "the level of detail I present may be a bit extreme in your situation." Where Dr. Rubel's "Master/slave Relations: A Handbook of Theory and Practice" is primarily a book for Dominants and stays concise to its topic, "Protocol Handbook For The Leather Slave" reads like it might be a guidebook for slaves, but comes off as Master Fantasy material - and a stuffy fantasy at that. I will restate that the first half of "Protocol Handbook for the Leather Slave" is extremely well done, there is plenty here to absorb and a great deal of very useful material (such as caring for Master's leathers and boots or levels
--Tim Brough
Drawing heavily on his own Ms life, Rubel offers us more than mere protocols in this book. First he describes general differences between two large parts of the SM community -- Leather and BDSM (think het or poly) -- and how these groups may differ on public issues. Secondly he offers us honest and realitistic questions that we should ask if we think we want to do Ms on more than a casual or fun basis. It is not for everyone and very few people can have successful, long-term Ms relationships. Do not buy this book with the idea that you can just start applying his own rules, rituals, and concepts to your own life (you are likely to fail) but as a way to get you and anyone you may partner with thinking about very important questions.
--TammyJo Eckhart
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