Venus in Furs

Venus in Furs by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch is a psychological novel exploring themes of love, power, and erotic obsession. The story follows Severin, a man who desires to be dominated by the beautiful Wanda von Dunajew. He persuades her to take him as her slave, signing a contract that grants her total control. As Wanda grows more ruthless, Severin realizes the dangers of his fantasies. The novel delves into the complexities of desire, submission, and the shifting dynamics of relationships. It is a key work in exploring masochism, a term later derived from the author’s name.