From the frescoes of Pompei to the disciplinarians of the naval cultures of the last century, from medieval religious zealots to the New York lesbian scene today - flagellation has been widespread throughout western civilization. Punishment or sexual activity, perversion or act of mystical devotion, this book reveals the history of flagellation and analyzes its origins, explores its different forms and rituals, and attempts to explain its perennial fascination. Through observing the powergames inherent in this rite and analyzing the social attitudes to it, Anthony takes a clandestine look at the human psyche itself.