Leather Books

I don't know if Larry Townsend ever had an inkling of just how influential his 1972 original "The Leatherman's Handbook" would become. I am certain he probably had no idea that - within a decade - the mantra of Gay Liberation would become fogged over by the onset of the plague of AIDS and the total indifference of the Reagan Administration. Leathermen, with their work hard play harder sexual ethic, were hit especially hard.

So ten years later, Larry took the results of surveys he'd taken with thousands of men, edited the language a bit (the original was written with a lot of seventies lingo) and made the important additions to reflect the changing health concerns. While still a revelatory book, it is also a more sober one. Back in the seventies, it was still a very risky proposition to attempt a gay publication of any sort. In the AIDS prejudiced panic of the 80's, it was still a considerable risk.

Larry Townsend's "The Leatherman's Handbook II," like its 1972 original, still spells out the codes of conduct that the underground Leather Scene and S&M men lived by and the numerous accounts of steamy real life kink encounters remained, though now with addendums about safety and health issues.

Even now, with a much wider variety of books available on how to and relationship studies, not to mention my own writings, it is hard to remember a time when Larry's book was such a shocking event. Voluntary servitude and fetishistic behaviors are given a great deal of coverage here, and the amazing thing is just how much most of Larry's original foundations remain relevant. Even more to the point is just how much the format of both editions of "The Leatherman's Handbook" became the blueprint for so much of our community's guidebooks; A little journalistic information followed up with some hot episodes.

Still, "The Leatherman's Handbook" one and two remain viable sources of both etiquette and education in addition to its historical value. Larry's work here is quite possibly one of the most important pair of books about the side of Gay Life that many would like to ignore, but it's with us and vibrant and exciting for those who have taken this intimate discovery. Like mine; a man who stumbled across a $5.95 edition of "The Leatherman's Handbook II" in a Delaware bookstore in 1989 and still has the dog-eared paperback on his bookshelf all these years later. It changed my life like gravity.

I don't know if Larry Townsend ever had an inkling of just how influential his 1972 original "The Leatherman's Handbook" would become. I am certain he probably had no idea that - within a decade - the mantra of Gay Liberation would become fogged over by the onset of the plague of AIDS and the total indifference of the Reagan Administration. Leathermen, with their work hard play harder sexual ethic, were hit especially hard.

So ten years later, Larry took the results of surveys he'd taken with thousands of men, edited the language a bit (the original was written with a lot of seventies lingo) and made the important additions to reflect the changing health concerns. While still a revelatory book, it is also a more sober one. Back in the seventies, it was still a very risky proposition to attempt a gay publication of any sort. In the AIDS prejudiced panic of the 80's, it was still a considerable risk.

Larry Townsend's "The Leatherman's Handbook II," like its 1972 original, still spells out the codes of conduct that the underground Leather Scene and S&M men lived by and the numerous accounts of steamy real life kink encounters remained, though now with addendums about safety and health issues.

Even now, with a much wider variety of books available on how to and relationship studies, not to mention my own writings, it is hard to remember a time when Larry's book was such a shocking event. Voluntary servitude and fetishistic behaviors are given a great deal of coverage here, and the amazing thing is just how much most of Larry's original foundations remain relevant. Even more to the point is just how much the format of both editions of "The Leatherman's Handbook" became the blueprint for so much of our community's guidebooks; A little journalistic information followed up with some hot episodes.

Still, "The Leatherman's Handbook" one and two remain viable sources of both etiquette and education in addition to its historical value. Larry's work here is quite possibly one of the most important pair of books about the side of Gay Life that many would like to ignore, but it's with us and vibrant and exciting for those who have taken this intimate discovery. Like mine; a man who stumbled across a $5.95 edition of "The Leatherman's Handbook II" in a Delaware bookstore in 1989 and still has the dog-eared paperback on his bookshelf all these years later. It changed my life like gravity.

An excellent "how to" manual for the sexually dominant man. Gay or straight, it makes no difference, the attitude and techniques described in this book cut to the essence of what makes sex worthwhile: power and control. Clearly written, with lengthy sexual anecdotes, it is as sexually charged a book as was ever written.

For anyone who is interested in either entering the aura of leathersex or who is all ready involved, Leatherman's Handbook II is a must read. Written by Larry Townsend who is well respected within the leather world and also a contributor to the male bondage magazine, Bound and Gagged, this book follows along with his style. This is an easy book to read and understand with chapters dealing with anything from bondage techniques, bondage material, s&m techniques, meeting a partner and much more. Each chapter generally has a story that is relevant to the chapter's subject matter.

All though the book is more gay oriented much that is said can be applied to any situation. The picking of a partner is very important and Townsend goes into detail on this issue. Townsend also touches upon the use of drugs as well as other issues.

I enjoyed reading the book and found that its material was well written and worthy as a strong reference manual for what it discusses.

This book is certainly worth the high rating of "10".

This was a rich delight to read. Many leatherfolk and leather-curious will appreciate the content, accurately described by the chapter titles: "Getting Started in Leathersex", "Playing with Power and Sex", "Playing with Pain", "Playing with Pleasure", "Playing with Life and Death", "Leather Relationships", "Anatomy, Physiology, and First Aid" and "Leathersex and Spirituality".

The author's writing style is both engaging and informative. "Leather Relationships" has an intimate quality to it, including an interesting interview with the founders of Masters & slaves Together ("MAsT"), and another with the author's late boy. The latter interview and writings around it answer, as best I've seen, the question "What is a 'boy'?" "Playing with Pain" included information on some techniques for pain processing and storage that I'd not run across in book form before. "Leathersex and Spirituality" is a short but welcome chapter.

The book flows well. The author does not shirk from addressing edgy topics when relevant. The index is exhaustive.

I particularly recommend "Leathersex" to a gay male leather audience.

Joseph Bean does an outstanding job of explaining, demystifying and clarifying many aspects of BDSM. It is from a gay male perspective and would probably not be of tremendous interest to hets or lesbians, but gay & bi/pansexual bio- & transmen should thoroughly enjoy Bean's work, no matter what their level of involvement in BDSM. He covers a wide variety of topics ranging from leather to bondage, BDSM relationships to finding partners, play parties to tools, etc. Plus Bean focuses on the importanct of the safe, sane & consensual principles. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

This is a "foundation book." A "must read." Joseph, one of the select few who have shaped the Leather culture in this country, wrote this timeless book in part so that those not (yet) involved in the Leather culture could develop a better understanding of what it is and how it works. But it is also intended for those of us who have some years of experience, here. For this book batches and sorts in ways that help us better to uderstand others with slightly different kinks. His chapter organizations are inspired and his writing style is easy to follow. As I've said: a "must read."

It can be difficult to balance between talking down to those who will feel they have a lot of experience in BDSM and tallking over those who are just learning about BDSM. This book does a good job of looking at a wide range of activities and interests, some of them for the first time, so that newbies can feel grounded while advanced kinky folk can mull over the concepts. Even though the book grew out of Bean's own journey toward becoming a master, I think the book can speak to anyone regardless of vanilla sexual orientation. However the book often reads more like it is geared toward the bottom or submissive partner in a relationship.

The Legacy Bible is a refreshing approach to the old, grand book. The exercises providing us with the opportunity to pass on our life's journey and legacy to the next generation can only be described as apples of gold. In an era where most traditions have fallen by the wayside, the Legacy provides a simple way to leave our story for the many who will come after us. I also gave several of them as thank you gifts to people who support my ministry with youth and parents.

This Bible is absolutely beautiful: Kenton has done a superb job with this edition. I intend to complete each of the "legacy moments" and will eventually give it to my boy. While I already own several Bibles (as well as different translations - NIV, NLV, King James, Catholic editions, and others) - many of which are well marked up - those notes are for my own use. The Legacy Bible is perfect for giving to someone else after the various places to leave notes and comments have been completed.

What a great idea! And it's executed so well, both in content and in quality. Thank you Kenton and Zondervan for helping parents, grandparents, and others pass on their faith to the next generation.

This IS a beautiful gift to your children, to your parents to tell them that you appreciate their heritage... or for yourself to study and share what God's Word means to you...the only thing that will last forever is GOD'S WORD. This leather is a great coffee table gift and is beautiful.

I have had one of these Bibles for several years and love it. I bought this one for a friend who loved when I shared verses or commentaries from my copy. Having used many different versions of the Bible in the past I strongly recommend this one for clarity and was delighted when a theologian friend of mine told me it's also a reliable translation. I also love the extra information given in the Life Application notes. All in all a great version and the leather cover on this one makes for nice handling.

A very much needed study Bible in this day and time. Very enlightening information. I especially enjoyed the dictionary/concordance section. Very informative concerning the different people and characters of the Bible. So many questions have been answered. Very enjoyable reading material. One could sit for hours on hours and study this Book over and over again. Yes, I most certainly will purchase this Bible. I hope it is also in Large Print as well. I'm very impressed about the large print. I'm looking forward to the day when the Life Application Bible will be color coded as well.

I already had a NLT Bible and it was my favorite translation, so this encouraged me to order the Life Application Study Bible when I saw it was available in this translation. This Bible is well made, very nice leather binding. The commentaries, maps, and additional study tools included in this Bible make studying the Bible even more enjoyable adding a new level of insite. The only downside is the size. It is large and bulky if you want to use this as your Bible you carry with you. This is true of most study Bibles I have looked at however.

Thanks for a GREAT Bible!

I have owned an NIV study Bible for 12+ years because that was the Bible of "choice" in my congregation. Through deeper study and reading various books, I have come to love the NLT version. Not only is it much easier to read, but it also focuses on applying the scripture to your own life as well as evangelism. The bounded genuine letter is a perk, but the content truly transforms lives.

This very emotional book of poetry is wonderful. I will read it over and over. Veronica brings us through many of her happy and sad times in her life. I think everyone should take the time to read this book!

Life Through My Eyes is a beautiful book full of heart-felt expression. A story of love, loss, and self-discovery set to poetry. Veronica's trials and tribulations give the reader a picture of her life and how she became the young confident woman that she is today.

I recommend this book for everybody. The poety is amazing and takes you thru some emotional highs and low. It's also easy to read and understand.

I believe that everyone who may be going though something need to get a copy of this book, fast, and in a hurry!! when you get your book sit down and take your time and just read, you will get more from reading this book, then you will from anything else. You won't regret buying this lovely book, it's different and easy reading........................

What a priviledge to have this mans work in my library. He is such a wonderful writer.

I first bought this collection of poems years ago, because I am a fan of Louis L'Amour (at the time I wasn't so much a fan of poetry). I didn't remember much of it when I picked it up again to reread it, but I am impressed. L'Amour was quite a capable poet. There are many good poems in this collection that you really won't see elsewhere.

I never liked liked poetry until this book. Only Louis could do it!

Most people know L'Amour as a strictly Western writer. However, I have owned this book of poetry for about 6 or 7 years, and it continues to amaze me. The variety of poetical styles is impressive. There are humorous anecdotes in poem form, love poems, and haunting poems of wanderlust. Naturally, there are a lot of poems addressing wanderlust, seeing as it was a driving force in L'Amour's life. This collection is highly worthwhile if you are a L'Amour fan, and even if you are not.

For many years I have used the MacArthur New King James Version Study Bible. I bought recently purchased this edition of the Bible because I preferred the NASB translation (more accurate than NKJV) and I liked the new cover because it's durable enough for me to use without having to use an extra zip-up Bible cover.

The notes MacArthur provides with the Biblical text are extremely helpful for personal study as well as other settings. For instance, I'm a youth pastor and when I'm teaching, sometimes students will ask a question that I cannot answer just by looking at a single text itself. The study notes MacArthur provides allows just enough insight on the text and cross references to clarify questions that my students may have.

I can't tell you how much this tool has helped me understand God's word and apply it to my lives. There's a long list of study Bibles available today. If you are hesistant about purchasing a study Bible because of the number of choices, I promise you that the MacArthur study Bible will not disapoint.

The MacArthur Study Bible: Revised and Updated is great. I am a Pator and I use it regularly in study as well as for services. Highly Recommended!

We have quite a few study Bibles including the MacArthur and the Sproul. I find that time after time MacArthur has just the right answer in his notes to explain any difficult question. AND, if you don't know it's a difficult question - he'll usually point it out to you. This is the best Study Bible on the market and the NASB is the closest to the original text. So, if you're looking for that combination of closest text to original and best commentary notes - this is the one! Because of ALL the notes this is a bigger Bible than most - because it has, in some cases more notes, than text on a given page. This is a good thing! Also his summary of each book at the beginning is also the best of any other study Bible. All the commentary here is strictly orthodox - There are no strange theories here! MacArthur is closest to Matthew Henry.

I love this bible and the thorough annotations have really helped me understand better the subject matter.

This volume is an updating of "The NKJV Greek-English Interlinear New Testament." I do not own this current volume but I own the older version. So my review below is based on the older version.

I own several interlinears, but the NKJV Interlinear is without a doubt my favorite. There are several reasons for this. First and foremost, this interlinear uses the Majority Text (MT) while my other interlinears use the Textus Receptus (TR) or the Critical Text (CT, i.e., the NA/ UBS text). I strongly believe the MT is superior to either of these texts. I detail my reasons for believing so in my book Differences Between Bible Versions.

In fact, I felt so strongly in this regard that I used the MT when I translated my Analytical-Literal Translation of the New Testament: Third Edition (ALT). Now my ALT is based on Robison and Pierpont's MT while this interlinear uses Hodges and Farstad's MT. But the differences between these two MTs are minor, so I was able to use this interlinear extensively when I was working on my ALT.

This interlinear includes two English translations, a strictly literal translations and an "idiomatic" one for places where a literal transition is excessively awkward. I used a somewhat similar approach in my ALT. The main text is strictly literal, but I also included within brackets a figurative rendering for excessively awkward literal translations. And this interlinear gave me some ideas on where and what figurative renderings to use.

This interlinear also includes small superscripts numbers by words that put them in correct English order. This again was helpful in my translation work. I tried to follow the Greek word order as much as possible. But at times, this is just too awkward, and these superscript numbers helped me to determine where it was necessary to deviate from Greek word order.

This interlinear also includes short word studies and textual variants in the margins, and Scripture references for OT quotations. These aids further add to the value of this volume and were helpful in my translation work.

I also include Scripture references for OT quotations in my ALT. And in my Companion Volume to the Analytical-Literal Translation: Third Edition I include an extensive Glossary and translations of textual variants. And this interlinear was helpful in my producing these materials.

I utilized many different aids in working on my ALT and the accompanying companion Volume, but this interlinear was one of the most valuable references I used. So I highly recommend it.

The NKJV Interlinear was out of print for some time, but it is good to see Thomas Nelson came out this updated version.

I use the NKJV from the pulpit. As such I grow weary that almost all modern Greek references use the eclectic texts. I know scholars say they are more "accurate" to the original, but my gut says otherwise (as well as my brain). To that end it is really annoying that many of the interesting NT passages are different in the eclectic texts from the Majority or the Textus Receptus. You turn to you Greek Bible (or a reference based off of it) and don't even find the verse!! So, it is obviously hard to study those verses in the orginal languages.

Now comes along this gem. The font is large and clear, especially the Greek text (a considerable improvement over the older standards of KJV interlinears). The comparison version is my favorite,the NKJV, and the added notes are wonderful. Plus, it is in a high quality leather binding. I love it.

Is there any better way to grow and edify the Body of Christ than through the study of the Greek? Not only do you, as a believer grow but your growth in the knowledge of the Word then can spread to others around you. This interlinear is the easiest and most exciting volume of its kind that I have ever seen. Not only does it outline the Majority text but it footnotes the Critical (Alexandrian) and Textus Receptus differences. All of this alongside the NKJV version of the New Testament, one of the more readable translations in my opinion.

Majority Text Greek New Testament Interlinear

This is an excellent text for Biblical Studies especially for those with limited N.T. Greek understanding. It also provides a good perspective from the Byzantine texts rather than what I see as inferior Alexandrian texts in so many Interlinears. I wish it had even more footnotes on variances in the different texts.

"Mere Christianity" happens to be one of my favorite books, and I've been looking for something to use in my "quiet time," so I was thrilled to find this journal. For what it is (writing prompts, quotes, and blank pages), it does seem a bit pricey, BUT the binding on the one I bought (leather) is gorgeous.

I plan to use this personally for my devotional time, and may also use the discussion guides for a future study group. If you'd like to interact with "Mere Christianity" on a level that personalizes and applies its message to your life, this is a good place to start.

C.S. Lewis was a rare individual. One of the few non-clerics to be recognised as a theologian by the Anglican church, he put forth the case for Christianity in general in ways that many Christians beyond the Anglican world can accept, and a clear description for non-Christians of what Christian faith and practice should be. Indeed, Lewis says in his introduction that this text (or indeed, hardly any other he produced) will help in deciding between Christian denominations. While he describes himself as a 'very ordinary layman' in the Church of England, he looks to the broader picture of Christianity, particularly for those who have little or no background. The discussion of division points rarely wins a convert, Lewis observed, and so he leaves the issues of ecclesiology and high theology differences to 'experts'. Lewis is of course selling himself short in this regard, but it helps to reinforce his point.

The book at the heart of this journal, 'Mere Christianity', looks at beliefs, both from a 'natural' standpoint as well as a scripture/tradition/reason standpoint. Lewis looks both at belief and unbelief - for example, he states that Christians do not have to see other religions of the world as thoroughly wrong; on the other hand, to be an atheist requires (in Lewis' estimation) that one view religions, all religions, as founded on a mistake. Lewis probably surprised his listeners by starting a statement, 'When I was an atheist...' Lewis is a late-comer to Christianity (most Anglicans in England were cradle-Anglicans). Thus Lewis can speak with the authority of one having deliberately chosen and found Christianity, rather than one who by accident of birth never knew any other (although the case can be made that Lewis was certainly raised in a culture dominated by Christendom).

Lewis also looks at practice - here we are not talking about liturgical niceties or even general church-y practices, but rather the broad strokes of Christian practice - issues of morality, forgiveness, charity, hope and faith. Faith actually has two chapters - one in the more common use of system of belief, but the other in a more subtle, spiritual way. Lewis states in the second chapter that should readers get lost, they should just skip the chapter - while many parts of Christianity will be accessible and intelligible to non-Christians, some things cannot be understood from the outside. This is the 'leave it to God' sense of faith, that is in many ways more of a gift or grace from God than a skill to be developed.

Finally, Lewis looks at personality, not just in the sense of our individual personality, but our status as persons and of God's own personality. Lewis' conclusion that there is no true personality apart from God's is somewhat disquieting; Lewis contrasts Christianity with itself in saying that it is both easy and hard at the same time. Lewis looks for the `new man' to be a creature in complete submission and abandonment to God. This is a turn both easy and difficult.

'Mere Christianity' was originally a series of radio talks, published as three separate books - 'The Case for Christianity', 'Christian Behaviour', and 'Beyond Personality'. This book brings together all three texts. Lewis' style is witty and engaging, the kind of writing that indeed lives to be read aloud. Lewis debates whether or not it was a good idea to leave the oral-language aspects in the written text (given that the tools for emphasis in written language are different); I think the correct choice was made.

This journal draws quotations and passages from each of the sections of 'Mere Christianity', and poses them as matter for reflection and questioning. This is a guide for conversation with oneself, with God, and with others about the deeper meanings in life.

Any "directed" journal can be a useful tool. In this case anyone exploring Christianity - whether ot not a Christian personally - will find a means to think through and express their own ideas, particularly when confronted by the views of C.S. Lewis. A stimulating exercise.

It feels almost embarrassing to jot your thoughts down alongside those of this great author. But Lewis' writing is nothing if not "inspirational," in the very best sense of the word.

I have had a hard time really connecting to what I was reading with my last two Bibles. I heard the Message Remix Bible was translated directly from the original text the Bible was written in, but put into language we use in every day conversations. I have connected so much more with this Bible than I have with any others, thus far. The things I am reading in The Message Remix just make sense.

I have always had a hard time focusing and trying to study the scriptures and get the full meaning out of it to apply it to every day living. But this is amazing and I love it! I hate to read period and this is very easy to pick up and be dedicated to.

Amazing...about sums it up. I couldn't stop reading. Its easy to understand without dumbing down any of the message intended. I've already recommended it to everyone I know...and some people I don't.

Very good for comparison to KJV and NIV; great for use with youth.