First published in 1996, Jay Wiseman’s SM 101 has long been considered a cornerstone of BDSM education. While Easton and Hardy (The Topping Book, The Bottoming Book) focused on the psychology and relational dynamics of power exchange, Wiseman took a more straightforward, almost textbook-like approach: a comprehensive manual for people entering the world of sadomasochism and kink.

What It’s About

Wiseman wrote SM 101 to demystify BDSM and offer practical, safety-focused information at a time when accurate resources were scarce. It’s part how-to, part cultural primer, and part risk-awareness handbook. Topics include:

• Foundations of SM. What sadomasochism is (and isn’t), common misconceptions, and the role of consent.
• Safety and risk management. Covers everything from safe words and negotiation to physical risks of bondage, impact play, breath control, and more.
• Psychology and communication. How to talk openly about fantasies, limits, and emotional safety.
• Techniques. An overview of toys, bondage, sensation play, and scene design, explained in plain language.
• Community. Introduces readers to dungeons, munches, and the wider kink culture.

The tone is clear, matter-of-fact, and occasionally clinical, reflecting Wiseman’s aim to normalise BDSM while addressing its realities head-on.

Strengths

• Comprehensive introduction. Touches on nearly every aspect of SM, from negotiation to aftercare.
• Safety-first. Wiseman’s background as an EMT brings authority to his discussions of risk and anatomy.
• Approachable. Written for beginners, with no assumptions of prior knowledge.

Weaknesses

• Dated references. Published in the mid-90s, it doesn’t reflect today’s consent frameworks, inclusivity language, or online culture.
• Surface-level detail. Covers a wide range of practices but rarely goes deep into technique.
• Tone. Some readers find it a bit dry compared to more story-driven texts like Easton & Hardy.

Why It Still Matters

SM 101 remains one of the first “serious” primers many kinksters encounter. It established a baseline of safety, realism, and consent at a time when BDSM was often sensationalised or pathologised. While newer books have expanded the conversation with updated language and cultural awareness, Wiseman’s manual is still a useful historical touchstone — a reminder of how far BDSM education has come and the principles that still hold true.