This famous book was first published in 1865, at the apogee of the Victorian era. Its full title--A History of the Rod in All Countries, from the Earliest Period to the Present Time--proclaimed its scope, and to this day it remains the largest single volume ever devoted to a comprehensive history of Flagellation.
An excellent piece of historical erotica, carefully - and amusingly - disguised as an academic work so it won't look too bad in the library of the discerning gentleman.