Tim Brough

In the latest book to discuss the dynamics of Master/slave relationships, we have "Master/slave Relations: A Handbook of Theory and Practice" by Robert J. Rubel, PhD. Like similar books by Christina Abernathy, Guy Baldwin, Jack Rinella or Jay Wiseman (who contributes this book's foreword), it sets out to explore the Master/slave dynamic. Building like a pyramid through various phases of mastery (and this is primarily a book directed to dominants), Dr. Rubel power-points his way through the book's near 200 pages. Where Dr. Rubel excels here is in the details. He has a background as a financial CEO, and it shows. Protocol is the greatest part of Dr. Rubel's definition to Master/slave relationships, and references to manners and etiquette are liberally used. Also frequently placed throughout "Master/slave Relations" are fragments of commentary attributed to well known Master and slave individuals, allowing for additional gravitas from outside sources. This is no "whip'em into shape" handbook. "Master/slave Relations" aims to mold more than pulverize. It should be emphasized that one of the words in the book's title is "practice." Referring back to Dr. Rubel's financial background, within the book's first 50 pages, he asks of the reader "How much are you willing to pay to get what you want?" He is not just posing this question financially (although financial responsibility does play a great role), but what are you - and by extension, your slave - willing to expand outside your pre-defined ideas of what you already have? His answers are structured and never glib, in fact, he uses several examples from the relationships in his life to punctuate his thoughts.