This is a first British edition of Story of O, arguably the most famous erotic novel ever written, and the inspiration behind one of the fragrances in the debut Jouissance collection.
Originally written under the pen name Pauline Réage and published in 1954, the book was revealed four decades later to be the work of journalist Anne Desclos. Despite the book winning the French literature prize Prix des Deux Magots, the French authorities charged the publishers with obscenity, which resulted in a publicity ban, which lasted until 1967. The British edition was published by the avant-garde publisher Olympia Press in 1965.
First edition, hardback, in very good condition. Iconic 'O' dust-jacket intact. This edition contains a number of newspaper clippings and photocopies relating to Anne Desclos, collected by a former owner. Used.
"O was blindfolded again. Then they made her walk forward--she stumbled slightly as she went--until she felt that she was standing in front of the fire around which the four men were seated: she could feel the heat, and in the silence she could hear the quiet crackling of the burning logs."
We want to write you letters. Sign up to join our circle and receive 10% off a 50ml fragrance.