Subject
Erotic literature Books
Best books
Alfred Delvau
Dictionnaire érotique moderne
"Dictionnaire érotique moderne" by Alfred Delvau is a specialized lexicon on erotic language written in the mid-19th century. This work aims to catalog and explain a wide range of expressions related to eroticism that are not typically found in standard dictionaries. It serves as a guide to the colorful and often risqué vernacular used in intimate contexts, reflecting societal attitudes towards sexuality during its time. The opening of the book sets the stage for Delvau's ambitious project, as he discusses the absence of comprehensive erotic dictionaries prior to his work. He critiques the reluctance of past authors to address sexual language directly, suggesting that a lexicon of this nature is essential for both casual readers and scholars alike. Delvau emphasizes his commitment to honest and explicit language, stating that he avoids euphemisms and ambiguities to bring clarity to the terms of erotic discourse. He invites readers to view this dictionary as an insightful exploration of the language surrounding love and desire rather than simply a collection of obscene terms, highlighting the importance of such language in understanding the culture of his era.
Pierre de Bourdeille Brantôme
Lives of Fair and Gallant Ladies. Vol 1
"Lives of Fair and Gallant Ladies. Vol 1" by Pierre de Bourdeille Brantôme is a historical account written in the late 16th century. This work presents a collection of anecdotes and narratives concerning women of high social standing and their experiences with love and relationships. The writing reflects a mixture of admiration for and satire of the gallant ladies of the court, delineating their romantic exploits and the social constructs surrounding them. The opening of this volume sets the stage with a foreword praising A. R. Allinson's translation, stating that it retains the charm and essence of Brantôme's original work. It introduces readers to the author's intentions as he dedicates the tales to a noble patron, expressing both jest and reverence. The initial discourse explores themes of infidelity, displaying women’s cunning and bravery in the face of possessive husbands, while also hinting at the dangers and violent outcomes that often accompany such escapades. Brantôme mentions various characters, illustrating a keen understanding of human nature through anecdotes about lovers and their perilous affairs, thus inviting readers into a world of gallantry, seduction, and the complexities of marital relationships.
Roger de Rabutin Bussy
Histoire amoureuse des Gaules; suivie des Romans historico-satiriques du XVIIe siècle, Tome I
"Histoire amoureuse des Gaules; suivie des Romans historico-satiriques du XVIIe…" by Roger de Bussy-Rabutin is a satirical roman à clef published in 1665. This scandalous work chronicles the romantic intrigues and indiscretions of French high society, mocking King Louis XIV's early love affair and various aristocratic figures under pseudonyms. Written privately to entertain his mistress and friends, the manuscript was published without the author's consent, leading to his arrest, imprisonment in the Bastille, and permanent exile from court for the remainder of his life.
Harry E. Wedeck
Love Potions Through the Ages: A Study of Amatory Devices and Mores
"Love Potions Through the Ages: A Study of Amatory Devices and Mores" by Harry E. Wedeck is a historical account written in the early 1960s. The book explores the varying customs, beliefs, and practices surrounding love potions and their significance throughout different cultures and epochs. Wedeck delves into the universal motifs of love, attraction, and human relationships, discussing the myriad ways people have sought to influence romantic connections. At the start of the book, the author introduces the concept of amatory potions, detailing their historical context from antiquity to modernity. He begins by emphasizing the pervasive role love potions have played across civilizations, from ancient Greece to Egypt and beyond, highlighting notable examples and references in classical texts. Wedeck looks at various plants and ingredients thought to enhance sexual attraction and potency, showcasing the beliefs surrounding these concoctions as well as their integration into religious and cultural practices. Through this opening, he sets the stage for a broader exploration of the intricate relationship between human desire and the means used to manipulate it through the ages.
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Manual of Classical Erotology (De figuris Veneris)
"Manual of Classical Erotology (De figuris Veneris)" by Friedrich Karl Forberg is a scholarly anthology published in 1824. This Latin and Greek work compiles and classifies ancient Greek and Roman writings on erotic topics, organizing them objectively by subject matter. Originally published as commentary to a fifteenth-century Renaissance poem, it was later translated into multiple languages and circulated among restricted audiences. The work became notable for its academic approach to documenting historical attitudes toward human sexuality.
Michel Millot
L'escole des filles réimpression complète du texte original sur la contrefaçon hollandaise de 1668
"L'escole des filles" by Michel Millot is an erotic book first published in Paris in 1655. The work presents a dialogue between two cousins, Susanne and Fanchon, discussing sexual topics. After its publication, authorities quickly intervened—the printer was arrested, copies were seized, and Millot was burned in effigy. Despite attempts to suppress it, the scandalous book survived through Dutch reprints and became notorious across Europe, even appearing in Samuel Pepys's diary as an "idle, rogueish book."
P. (Pierre) Pierrugues
Glossarium eroticum linguae Latinae sive Theogoniae, legum et morum nuptialium apud Romanos explanatio nova
"Glossarium eroticum linguae Latinae" by P. Pierrugues is a specialized lexicon written in the early 19th century. This work serves as a comprehensive glossary focused on erotic and sexual vocabulary in the Latin language, providing insightful commentary on Roman customs, marriage laws, and various forms of erotic expression. It aims to enable readers to better understand literary and ethical texts from antiquity as well as the evolving meanings of terms associated with love and desire. The opening of the work outlines the author's intent in creating this glossary, emphasizing the lack of a focused lexicon on erotic terms in Latin literature. It presents a brief discussion on the historical approaches to writing about erotic matters in Roman times, highlighting a shift from direct language to metaphorical expressions as societal norms changed. Additionally, the text introduces a variety of terms that will be explained later, illustrating the scope of the glossary which encompasses definitions, etymologies, and contextual examples from classical literature to enrich the reader’s understanding of Latin erotic expressions.
Pierre de Bourdeille Brantôme
Lives of Fair and Gallant Ladies. Vol 2.
"Lives of Fair and Gallant Ladies. Vol 2." by Pierre de Bourdeille Brantôme is a historical account likely written during the late 16th century. This work presents a compilation of anecdotes and discourses describing the interactions between noblewomen and men of valor, exploring themes of love, honor, and chivalry. The text reflects the moral and social dynamics of the French court, particularly focusing on prominent figures from the Valois era. The opening of the book introduces the theme of love among noble individuals, highlighting how women of status are often enchanted by the bravery and courage of men, despite their own more delicate inclinations. Brantôme discusses notable historical and mythical examples, including Venus's infatuation with Mars and the tale of the Amazonian Queen Penthesilea's admiration for Hector of Troy. He illustrates the reciprocal nature of valor and love, suggesting that acts of bravery in war are intertwined with romantic pursuits, thereby setting the tone for a broader exploration of love's complexities throughout the text.
Nicolas Blondeau
Dictionnaire érotique Latin-Français
"Dictionnaire érotique Latin-Français" by Nicolas Blondeau is a specialized reference work written in the late 17th century. This dictionary serves as a resource for readers seeking to understand Latin erotic literature, compiling various lewd Latin terms and phrases alongside their French interpretations. It focuses on the linguistic aspects of eroticism, making it a notable contribution to studies in historical linguistics and literature. The opening of the book introduces the editor Isidore Liseux, who outlines the context in which the dictionary was produced, discussing its original manuscript by Blondeau and its posthumous publication. Liseux reflects on his previous works and the challenges faced in presenting erotic literature, characterized by its use of euphemisms and metaphorical language. Furthermore, he emphasizes the unique importance of this dictionary, blending historical insights and commentary to enhance the reader's understanding of the erotic language and the cultural attitudes surrounding it.
Honoré-Gabriel de Riqueti Mirabeau
L'oeuvre du comte de Mirabeau
"L'oeuvre du comte de Mirabeau" by Honoré-Gabriel de Riqueti Mirabeau is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work delves into the life and writings of the notable French revolutionary figure, exploring a variety of his erotic and liberal texts, which include reflections on sexuality and societal norms of his era. Central to the text is an analysis of Mirabeau's literary contributions, particularly focusing on themes of libertinism and the critique of moral hypocrisy. The opening of this volume provides a biographical overview of Mirabeau, presenting his significant relationships, particularly with Sophie de Ruffey, and contextualizes the political and social tensions of 18th-century France that influenced his writings. It details Mirabeau's imprisonment and his prolific output during this time, emphasizing his melding of personal experiences with broader critiques of society. The text sets a foundation for understanding the themes and controversies surrounding his work, particularly regarding erotic literature and philosophical introspections on freedom and morality.
Octave Uzanne
Caprices d'un Bibliophile
"Caprices d'un Bibliophile" by Octave Uzanne is a collection of literary essays written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the passions and whims of a bibliophile, exploring themes of book collecting, the beauty of literature, and the emotions intertwined with the ownership of books. Uzanne's narrative voice reflects a deep love for books, treating them as cherished companions and symbols of culture. The opening of the work introduces the narrator, who experiences a profound melancholy triggered by the sight of beautiful books being auctioned off. He grapples with the intense emotions that arise when he contemplates his own collection and the impending loss of treasured volumes to other collectors. The atmosphere is charged with an artistic reverence for literature, as the narrator likens his relationship with books to a passionate affair, celebrating their aesthetic and emotional significance. This glimpse into the narrator's psyche sets the tone for a reflective exploration of the world of bibliophiles and their unique connection to literature.
Honoré-Gabriel de Riqueti Mirabeau
Der gelüftete Vorhang oder Lauras Erziehung
"Der gelüftete Vorhang oder Lauras Erziehung" by Mirabeau is a controversial erotic novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers on Laura, a young girl whose upbringing is steeped in a complex and taboo relationship with her father, who also functions as her primary educator. The narrative explores themes of sexuality, power dynamics, and the nature of desire through Laura's formative experiences. The opening of this work introduces the reader to Laura at the age of ten, shortly after the death of her mother. She describes her close relationship with her father, who begins to educate her in an unconventional manner that incorporates intimate affection. As Laura matures, the dynamics between her, her father, and their new governess, Lucette, evolve, ultimately leading Laura into an exploration of her own sexual awakening. The initial chapters set a provocative tone, showcasing Laura’s awakening curiosity and the complex interactions that foreshadow the intense and often troubling relationships that develop throughout the narrative.
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