Notorious French novelist and playwright (1740–1814) whose violent sexual escapades and depravity-infused works gave rise to the word “sadism.” He spent much of his adult life in prison on charges that included sodomy and poison. Far from reforming Sade, his incarceration afforded ample opportunity to write the works that secured his fame as history’s greatest pervert. His novels, particularly Justine (1791), take a place among the most durable and widely read books in the canon of erotic literature. ALS in French, signed “de Sade,” one page, 6.5 x 4.25, October 30, 1767. Sade writes to Monsieur Cavillie, Rue St. Honoré, Paris. In full (translated): “Please furnish the bearer of this note whatever is necessary in black cloth to dress my five servants. These should resemble the outfits you provided for me for my father’s funeral last year, as well as the same quantity of black cloth necessary to cover the horses’ harnesses, which will amount to something like four ells.” The integral leaf bears the address panel written in Sade’s hand, as well as a notation in another hand specifying the types and quantities of cloth needed. Light soiling and wrinkling, and seal-related loss to blank corner of address leaf, otherwise fine condition. The writing is bold and clear throughout. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
