The Black Lace Book of Women's Sexual Fantasies

by Kerri Sharp (editor)

Revealing the most private thoughts of hundreds of women, here are sexual fantasies which on first sight appear shocking or bizarre—such as the bank clerk who wants to be a vampire, or the nanny with a passion for Darth Vader. It investigates the recurrent themes in female fantasies and the cultural influences that have determined them—from fairy tales to cult TV, from fetish fashion to historical novels. This collection argues that sexual archetypes—such as the "dark man of the psyche"—play an important role in arousal, allowing the reader to find gratification safely through personal narratives of adventure and sexual abandon.

Genres: Sexuality, Erotica

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 20, 1999

About the author

Kerri Sharp has been editor of Black Lace books since 1993.

Reviews

[Kathleen Dienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first picked up this book, I had a very narrow view of what was "normal."

After I read this book, I realized that "normal" was... well, pretty much everything. That set me free as a writer, knowing that nothing was off limits, and that indeed the only limit for me as a storyteller was the kinds of stories I wanted to tell.

[Emre Sevinç · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice collection of some very short and some 2-3 pages long accounts of female imagination. The introduction and the parts at the the beginning of each chapter set the context and background, to the extent possible in just a few pages, briefly going over how the perception of the Western society changed throughout different ages. It is refreshing to read the perspective of the 'other' side, no matter how cliché some of the writings might sound (nevertheless, be prepared to find some exquisite and sophisticated gems here and there).

[Jade Haden]

I very much enjoyed this read.

[LaurieAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I really love about this book is how it shines a light on women's sexual and sensual interests without being smutty. This is the book that should have gotten the attention that 50 Shades of Grey received, especially as it predates it. Sharp does a great job at the beginning of each chapter to put what she has been told by women into an sociological and historical view without talking over the reader's head.

This is not just a book for women - men who want to understand women better, would do worse than pick this up and read it. The other positive is how women shared their fantasies. They are real and they are written to inform, not to tantalise or make this a book be frivolous.

Despite the fact that it was written over 20 years ago, it is still relevant today and, as I believe, may women would benefit from reading it.

[Catsalive · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite fascinating.