Venus in Furs

Venus in Furs by Leopold Ritter von Sacher-Masoch (published 1870) is a work of classic erotic literature. Venus in Furs tells the tale of a masochist - a male protagonist who sexually desires to be completely submissive to the will of a female master, and be humiliated, abused and tormented, even to the verge of death. Sacher-Masoch, a poet philosopher, writes with charm, wit and intelligence. The word masochism derives from his surname. Many interesting ideas about men and women are raised in the novel, such as beauty, cruelty, desire, power, submission and control.