BDSM MEDIA NEWS!!!!
December 03, 2014
Book: The History & Arts of the Dominatrix by Anne O Nomis
Source: Historyofthedominatrix.com. - Historyofthedominatrix.com - UK
UK - This much-anticipated book is the illustrated treatise on the Dominatrix throughout history. Begun in 2009, it has taken four years to come to be published with artwork illustrated with permission of the highest museums and libraries in the world. No book previously existed on the subject. Nomis set to work meticulously researching the most discreet and mysterious occupation of the Dominatrix. This book reveals the ancient roots of the Dominatrix lie within sacred rituals to a Goddess Inanna who ruled one of the most important cities of the ancient world, the city of Uruk (or Warka). With a Masters degree in archaeology and art history, Nomis has included exerts of a hymn to the Goddess with rites of gender transformation, punishment, pain and ecstasy, linked to the high en-priestess named Enheduanna, and images of the Goddess.
Into the English history record, the secular profession appears in books from the 17th Century, with flagellation prints of the Dominatrix in role of 'Whipstress' and 'School-Mistress'. The ladies providing birch discipline were interlinked with royalty, nobility, parliamentarians and secret societies. By the 19th Century,
London held 20 sumptuously appointed discipline houses, run by 'Governess' Dominatrices, one of whom invented a special machine for whipping, known as the Berkley Horse.
In the 20th Century, the book presents rare vintage snapshots of mid-20th Century ladies of the 'bizarre underground' in time, space and place, from London, New York, The Hague and The Herbertstrasse. Lastly, Nomis examines the contemporary occupation of the modern-day Dominatrix, and contributes a theory of their 'Seven Realm Arts' characterizing their practices. This book is the seminal work on the subject of the Dominatrix, her history and her arts as a unique craft.
5 Star ReviewsEditorial Reviews:
"Painstakingly researched...The quintessential treatise on dominant women throughout the ages...impressive work." (David Jackson, DDI Magazine)
"Elusive author Nomis sheds light on a mysterious underground world in this fascinating exploration of female dominatrices...It is obvious that Nomis dedicated years of research to compile an engaging, sympathetic history of a well-concealed subculture. The book provides exciting commentary on shifting attitudes toward sex, female power, and female sexuality across different time periods and regions, complete with dazzling visual aids and artifacts." (Library Journal Review)
"A book which shows all facets of this profession (or calling)...All has been thoroughly researched and evidence-based and the result of this is an easy-to-read and recognizable book that will appeal to the interested... Highly recommended and fun to go with this book back in time to Mistresses such as Kitty from Rotterdam, and Bea from Amsterdam, or read more about the legendary Monique von Cleef." (Massad Magazine)
Illustrated with artwork and 86+ images from the British Museum, Iraq Museum, Penn Museum, Oriental Institute of Chicago, Fitzwilliam Museum of Cambridge University, Villa of Mysteries Pompeii, British Library Rare Books, Library of Congress Washington DC, National Portrait Gallery, Yale Center for British Art, Kinsey Institute, with vintage images by artist John Willie from Bélier Press, vintage Dominatrices from DDI Magazine, Atom Age and private collection, contemporary artwork by Natasha Gornik, Kate Peters, Phil Miller, Nuit' d'Or and Lucina Nathanael.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - ANNE O NOMISAnne O Nomis (a word-play on 'anonymous') was born in the Antipodes. She received her MA degree in comparative art and archaeology from University College London (UCL), and works as an historian, consultant and curator on ancient and contemporary art.
Nomis undertook clandestine training in one of Australia's leading dungeons under the tutelage of some 15 Dominatrices, and pursued independent research in the British Museum, British Library and the underground 'scene' over a four-year period.
She is currently writing two works of fiction, and plans to continue her studies to obtain a doctorate in Near Eastern material culture, ritual and mythology, and the origins of early civilization.
Nomis lives between Melbourne and London.
ABOUT THE BOOK DESIGNER - ANNA EGAN-REIDAnna Egan-Reid is an award-winning book designer, based at Mary Egan Publishing Ltd. She has a BA degree in Art History and English from the University of Otago, and worked for Penguin Books in New Zealand before establishing herself with Mary Egan Publishing. Amongst her accolades are winner of the the Hachette New Zealand Prize for Best Non-Illustrated Book in the PANZ Book Awards 2012.
Working in collaboration with the book's author, Anna's design for 'The History & Arts of the Dominatrix' draws influence from 'forbidden books' of the 19th Century. The cover design features a Victorian frame with Dominatrix's props in its four corners, gold foil embossing, and an elegant black quarter-bound spine. The theme continues into the book's interior, with Scarlett headings and evocative type-fonts.
The book will be well-suited to libraries, book collectors and book fetishists alike
See more about this book:
historyofthedominatrix.com.
