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 “Sade,” one page, 5.75 x 7.75, no date. The “Mad Marquis” writes to his son Armand. In part (translated): “You will admit, my dear Armand, that your behavior in my regard continues to be ever more and more peculiar. You know my situation. You know that I lack even the most necessary things of daily life, and you are not concluding anything with Le Normand. He should have been dealt with three weeks ago (according to you) and on the 28th of this month he wrote to me that you have not even written to him. Be done with this, I beg you, because, on my honor, I will otherwise leave here one of these morning to move in with you. Mr. de Coulmier is similarly losing patience, and here is a letter from Arles that does not prove that we are close to being through with him. Your negligence is truly incomprehensible, it truly disgraces you.” In fine condition, with three small, expertly repaired holes to right edge, one slightly touching one word. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
