Sade: A Biographical Essay (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780226064215)

The writings of the Marquis de Sade have recently attained notoriety in the canon of world literature. Now Sade himself is often celebrated as a heroic apostle of individual rights and a giant of philosophical thought. In this detailed investigative work, Laurence Bongie tests these claims and finds them unfounded and undeserved.

"A valuable correction to the perception of Sade as a profound thinker, a great writer, and a martyr to liberty. Drawing on original archival work, Bongie tries to illuminate Sade's childhood and his relationship with his parents. . . . Fluent and well-informed."--Library Journal

"Mr. Bongie . . . has written an investigation focusing on one aspect of Sade's character and development, his heretofore neglected relationship with his aristocratic mother. . . . A profitable selection."--Richard Bernstein, New York Times

"A welcome corrective. Bongie's book . . . aims to deflate the exalted claims made about the marquis by demonstrating that he was a monstrous character."--Scott Stossel, Boston Phoenix Literary Supplement


Author: Laurence L. Bongie
ISBN-10: 0226064212
ISBN-13: 9780226064215
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Language: English
Published: 03/15/2000
Pages: 343
Format: Paperback
Weight: 1.06lbs
Size: 8.98h x 6.13w x 0.80d