Category Archives: Eroticism and pornography

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

The Miller Test: Standard Test for Obscenity

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

The debate on obscenity and pornography in 1968

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” by Joseph Kessel (1928)

“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)

Jean Millot and Michel L’Ange: “The School of Venus, or the ladies delight”

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”

Nudity in the myths of Greece and Rome

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

Daphnis and Chloe: an initiation in the 2nd century

In ancient Greece, stories of love and initiation were often inextricably linked. One such story that fascinatingly combines these themes is that of Daphnis and Chloe. This tale from the 2nd century AD, written by Longus, transports us into a world of pastoral beauty and youthful innocence. But beneath the surface lies a profound tale … Continue reading Daphnis and Chloe: an initiation in the 2nd century

Justine by Marquis de Sade – An Exploration of One of the Most Controversial Erotic Works

Justine is an erotic novel written by the Marquis de Sade in 1791. The novel tells the story of a young woman named Justine who is subjected to various forms of sexual abuse and torture. Throughout the novel, Justine is subjected not only to physical abuse, but also to moral and philosophical reflections on the … Continue reading Justine by Marquis de Sade – An Exploration of One of the Most Controversial Erotic Works

What erotica writers can learn from Candice Bushnell’s “Sex and the City”

Candice Bushnell’s “Sex and the City” is a series that revolutionized the way we see women and sexuality on television. It gave voice to female fantasies and desires that were rarely discussed in public before. The series also had a profound impact on literature, inspiring an entire generation of writers to explore eroticism and romance … Continue reading What erotica writers can learn from Candice Bushnell’s “Sex and the City”

The fuss about Roissy Castle: How Pauline Réage’s novel kept the police on their toes

As an erotic author, it is important to know and understand the historical roots of the genre and its seminal works. One of the most controversial and groundbreaking works of erotic literature is “History of O” by French author Anne Desclos, who also wrote under the pseudonym Pauline Réage. This novel is so hard-hitting that … Continue reading The fuss about Roissy Castle: How Pauline Réage’s novel kept the police on their toes