Second Skin

Named a Most Anticipated Book of the Year by Ms., Playboy, Autostraddle, & The Millions

“Second Skin is more sociological than sexy; more anthropological than animalistic. Its raison d’etre is not simply to convey the history, the mechanics, the meaning or even the sexual pleasures of fetishism. More significantly, in this American era, with basic human rights being violated in our legislature and on our streets; when being ‘different’ and/or challenging the powers that be is punishable by death, this British-born book advocates for a person’s right to like what they like and to get it consensually.” —Meredith Maran, Los Angeles Times

“[Fedorova] writes shrewdly about how we imbue objects with meaning and status . . . She takes a historian’s pleasure in handling obscure ephemera and a kinkster’s delight in the scent of the Dettol spray used to clean fetish clubs . . . Fedorova seems to understand that sexual deviation is an extension of everyday life: the most moving passages in Second Skin aren’t the scenes of masked ravers in clubs but those in which eroticism shades the gap between the banal and the intimate . . . [Second Skin] takes our most uncanny attractions and reveals their eminent humanity.” —Lilian Fishman, The New Yorker

“With a playful eye and a genuine appreciation for all of the ways humans get off, [Fedorova] explores kinks like leather, latex, BDSM, feet, gloves, and machines with surprising comfortability . . . Second Skin goes down easy—like a rubber glove adhering to every corner of your skin.” —Sam Franzini, The Brooklyn Rail

“Through the historiography of popular objects in kink communities, Fedorova compiles a nuanced look at how leather, latex, and other fetish objects play into sexual expression.” —Marissa Gallerani, Hippocampus Magazine

“A promising new entry into the canon of kink studies.” —Autostraddle

“An interior exploration of kinky desire and its impact on and integration into modern society. In this dynamic debut, writer, queer archive curator, and fetishist Fedorova, believes that kink communities don’t deserve the judgmental disapproval they receive, and she encourages a deeper understanding, appreciation, and social valuing . . . Creatively fusing the worlds of art, alternative sex, and fashion into her study, the author diligently explores a provocative collective of kink and fetish categories . . . Fedorova writes with passion, knowledge, and authority to dispel these perceptions, noting the ‘many ways’ fetishists can always ‘find home.’ An intimately written, sex-positive look at the history and ongoing preservation of kink culture.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Expansive and intimate, probing and emboldening . . . A book for anybody who has ever wondered what it might mean to put more of ourselves—dare we say, all of ourselves?—into sex.” —Polly Barton, author of Porn: An Oral History

“An archive, a celebration. At times, it’s reminiscent of conversations had with like-minded friends and fellow queers. A complex, nuanced, and deeply rewarding foray into a world paradoxically visible and in the shadows.” —Joshua Jones, author of Local Fires

“A rigorous study that throbs and pummels hard to beneath the surface of fetish. It’s written with an electric charge. I submitted to every page.” —Jodie Harsh, author of You Had To Be There

“A perfect balance of fascinating history, reflective memoir and up-to-date reporting. I slipped into Second Skin as if it were a glove. Fetish may not be for everyone—but this book is!” —Adam Zmith, author of Deep Sniff

“At last, a book on kink that isn’t squeamish and that doesn’t act like its subjects are bewildering freaks! Part tender investigation, part ecstatic hymn, Second Skin will give you goosebumps in all kinds of places.” —Charlie Fox, author of This Young Monster

“Insightful, clear-eyed, generous, and surprisingly tender . . . You will feel it wrap itself around you like a gimp mask or a hard-earned embrace from your perfect Domina.” —Brittany Newell, author of Softcore

“An elegant, intelligent, intimate exploration of the way a sexual charge can alchemize objects and vibes into worlds unto themselves.” —Michelle Tea, author of Knocking Myself Up

“A personal and informative exploration of the many worlds of fetishism. I really enjoyed it.” —Cosey Fanni Tutti, author of Art Sex Music

“A fascinating book about fetish and community. It works on both the mind and the senses; an erudite, intimate, and beautifully written account of the textures and symbols that animate our erotic lives.” —Jack Parlett, author of Fire Island: A Century in the Life of an American Paradise