The Dr. Lamb Library is a series of pulp paperbacks that were released in the early 1970s by Star Distributors. The series is commonly credited to Paul Little, a well‑known figure in the underground publishing scene of that era, and is described as “the twisted, fevered brain‑child of Paul Little”.
Why the Series Is Significant
- Early Pioneer – The Dr. Lamb Library belongs to the very first book lines launched by Star Distributors. From the start, the publisher focused exclusively on “taboo subject matter,” i.e., themes that lay outside mainstream pornography such as sadomasochism, fetishes, and other boundary‑pushing practices.
- Genre Definition – By specializing in these forbidden topics, the series helped shape the later development of BDSM and fetish literature. It gave writers and artists a platform to publish explicit, psychologically charged stories without the constraints of conventional publishers.
- Collectible Value – Because the books were printed in limited runs (often only “plain‑wrapped” editions) and catered to a niche audience, they are now highly sought after by collectors of Victorian‑era and retro erotica. A copy of Liberation: Cases of Free Women (book 9 in the series) is described as “vintage” and a “holy grail”.
Notable Titles
Liberation: Cases of Free Women (book 9) – 1972
Cited as one of the first Dr. Lamb titles, clearly aimed at taboo subjects
Women Who Need To Be Dominated (book 25) – 1973
Example of the dominant/submissive dynamics that define the series
Whipped Submission: Angels With Stinging Buns – 1978
One of the later known releases, still found in good condition on second‑hand markets
How the Series Fits Into the Broader Context
- Star Distributors also published other “vintage adult paperbacks” with cover art by illustrators such as Eric Stanton and Eugene Bilbrew, but the Dr. Lamb Library remained the most explicit and thematically focused line in their catalogue.
- The series acted as a sort of “catalog” for the underground market: the books were frequently traded among aficionados, discussed in gentlemen’s‑club smoking rooms, and shared via clandestine networks. This fostered a subculture around “flagellant fiction” and other niche fetishes.
Covers Dr. Lamb Library – More art on Vintage Fetish Book Covers
