The New Topping Book

The New Topping Book by Dossie Easton and Janet W. Hardy is a guide to the art of BDSM topping: taking the lead in a scene. It updates their original Topping Book, which taught tens of thousands of readers the emotional and ethical skills of being a good top.

The publisher says the new edition reflects how much has changed since: BDSM is more popular, and the internet has opened up a new world of information and connection for players. The New Topping Book keeps the focus on the person in charge: responsibility, communication and the mindset behind good play.

From the publisher’s description and library record.

• People who want to try topping and wonder where to start.
• Tops who want to think harder about consent, care and limits.
• Couples who switch, so both of you understand the role.
• Anyone who enjoys the psychology of power exchange as much as the gear.

Pair The New Topping Book with our BDSM for beginners guide for consent basics and starter gear.

Live prices from our store. Prices updated November 2, 2026.

What is The New Topping Book?

A guide to being the top in BDSM: the person who leads the scene. It focuses on the emotional and ethical skills of topping, not just the techniques.

Who wrote it?

Dossie Easton and Janet W. Hardy. It is a revision of their earlier The Topping Book, or, Getting Good at Being Bad (written as Dossie Easton and Catherine A. Liszt).

How long is it?

209 pages, according to the library record.

Is there a book for bottoms too?

Yes, the same authors wrote The New Bottoming Book as its companion. We don’t stock it at the moment.

Is it for beginners?

Yes. Readers often recommend it as a first book for anyone curious about topping, and it is just as useful for experienced players who want to think about how they top.

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