The Curse of the Marquis de Sade

"The Curse of the Marquis de Sade" is a deeply reported account of the extraordinary history surrounding Marquis de Sade's infamous novel, 120 Days of Sodom, and the tumultuous journey of its original manuscript through Europe’s hidden and scandal-ridden landscape. The book explores how this notorious text became embroiled in a series of high-stakes scams, including rare manuscript thefts, a massive Ponzi scheme, and fierce rivalries among collectors and dealers. Blending history, scandal, and intrigue, it raises compelling questions about the value and preservation of original literary works in a rapidly changing world.