*Special illustrated edition contains 11 watercolours from Suzanne Ballivet which originally adorned a 1954 copy of the same work.

From the pen that put the "M" in S&M comes this genre defining masterpiece of forbidden erotica. Obsessed and fascinated with a high society woman by the name of Wanda, our main protagonist enters into a contract with her to become her willing slave. The conditions of the agreement state therein that Wanda will chastise and punish Severin if he commits any mistake in the carrying out of his duties. Though reticent at first, Wanda soon rises to the task of putting her infatuated suitor under the whip, and soon she revels in humiliating him even so far as to take another lover.

With every lash, Severin becomes ever more compliant, and even more in love with his Mistress. But how far will his loyalty go when Wanda's methods become decidedly crueller and more ruthless?

This classic of flagellatory fiction, and a seminal work in the world of erotica, is a masterful and thought provoking work that delves into the depths of how far one is willing to compromise oneself for the gratification of another.