Monday, May 18, 2026

Books read in 2026: No. 4 -- The Marquis de Sade: A Life

by Neil Schaeffer

Started: April 22
Finished: May 17

Notes: For some while I've been intrigued by the mad figure of the Marquis de Sade, so when I came across this biography, I had to snatch it up.

Mini review: Much as I thought, this book seems to say that Sade was a more complex and misunderstood figure not only today but in his own time as well. That's not to say he was a nice guy, but it does mean his reputation was worse than the reality, at least according to historical records of which there were many. And I've said for some while now that while one might not approve of Sade's material, the man could write. Was he insane? Likely not, though I think it's beyond doubt that he had some emotional and possibly mental issues. Was he a murderer? Rapist? Pedophile? That's not how it looks in the historical records we have. Still, not someone I'd want to hang out with, but he could write.

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