Originally posted by Curtis
I've read most of "Justine" (I skimmed it for the good parts), and I'd have to say that it certainly holds up better than anything else pre-1950 that I've read, with the single exception of "A Man With a Maid".

I think it's interesting that you mention how De Sade works hold up well, even in present times.
One thing I noticed ( at least about myself) is how the more BDSM fiction I read - the less it turns me on. It's almost as if I'm becoming numb to the content. And with so much BDSM stories now available fast and free, some story contents stop eliciting excitement at all.

Marquis de Sade , on the other hand, has always been " the taboo-est taboo to ever taboo". A lot of people have never read his works but consider him the ultimate master of sadistic writing. But " Philosophy in the Bedroom" is not even half as violent as a lot of stuff written now. It's sadistic, extremely sexual , it's even snuff - but it still reads milder. Like A LOT milder.

I think it's a reason while it still reads well in present days. It's something that has been taboo for so many ages, and now that BDSM is rampant online - de Sade is still a dirty little secret. So to find his works , and to discover them for the first time - it's pleasurable. It must really tickle someone's mind to finally read "the master ".
But it is just my opinion, feel free to disagree :-)

Ok, off my soapbox , then !

N.