Where are the boundaries between eroticism and pornography? Do they still have any meaning today? As authors, we are not interested in the mendacious clichés of the porn industry. But we would like to use the techniques of pornography to tell psychologically true stories. A search for clues
Surrealism, an artistic and literary movement that emerged in 1920s Paris, has a deep connection to the works of the Marquis de Sade. This connection is based on a shared admiration for the unconscious, freedom of the mind, and the challenge of bourgeois morality. Shared ideals and themes Influence on surrealist artists and authors De … Continue reading Surrealism and de Sade: A symbiotic relationship
Marquis de Sade, whose name has given rise to the word “sadism”, has had a profound and complex influence on literature and culture as a whole. His works, especially “The 120 Days of Sodom”, “Justine” or “The Philosophy in the Boudoir”, have not only pushed the boundaries of moral and sexual narrative, but have also … Continue reading The influence of de Sade on literature
The “120 Days of Sodom” by Marquis de Sade is a work that has caused controversy since its creation in the 18th century. This book, written by de Sade during his imprisonment in the Bastille, is a radical testimony of violence, sex and power that challenges the boundaries of human morality and ethics in a … Continue reading “The 120 Days of Sodom” – An analysis of the scandal and censorship
In the world of literature dealing with sexuality and physicality, we often encounter the terms “erotic,” “pornographic,” and “obscene.” But what exactly differentiates these categories from one another? And what do these distinctions mean for authors tackling these topics? Semantic differences Erotic literature Erotic literature has its roots in the term “Eros”, which symbolizes the … Continue reading Erotic, Pornographic, and Obscene Literature: A Distinction
The Miller test is an important legal standard used in the United States to determine whether a work is obscene and therefore not protected by the First Amendment (freedom of speech). The test comes from the landmark 1973 case Miller v. California, which established the criteria for obscenity and created a more precise framework for … Continue reading The Miller Test: Standard Test for Obscenity
In the 1960s, access to pornographic content increased significantly through magazines, films and books, which led to a broad public debate about the effects on morals and society. The then President Richard Nixon was under increasing social pressure to curb the spread of obscene materials and pornography, and therefore set up the Presidential Commission on … Continue reading The debate on obscenity and pornography in 1968
“Belle de jour” tells the story of Séverine Serizy, a young, attractive woman from the Parisian bourgeoisie who is emotionally and sexually unfulfilled in her marriage to the wealthy but unemotional doctor Pierre Serizy. Despite her love for Pierre, Séverine longs for experiences that fulfill her secret and unspoken fantasies. When she hears about an … Continue reading “Belle de jour” by Joseph Kessel (1928)
The book The School of Venus, or the ladies delight (French original: L’École des filles) by Jean Millot and Michel L’Ange is an outstanding work of the early 17th century. Originally published in France in 1655, it is considered one of the first explicitly erotic works of French literature. Histoire de la création et de … Continue reading Jean Millot and Michel L’Ange: “The School of Venus, or the ladies delight”
The Adult Filter Problem After a whole series of erotic stories from our pen, the Amazon adult filter has struck again with the new story “Selfies”. Porn alert. In other words: restricted display in Amazon search results. In other words: limited sales. Not a death blow, as the titles are displayed in the Kindle search, … Continue reading The Adult Filter on Amazon
In the ancient myths of Greece and Rome, nudity was often a symbol of vulnerability, power and sensuality. Women’s shame about their nakedness is also explicitly addressed. From goddesses to mortal women, the myths are full of stories exploring the complexities of female nudity and its associated feelings. Vulnerability and exposure In Greek and Roman … Continue reading Nudity in the myths of Greece and Rome
