Incest is a chilling tale of sexual experimentation and philosophical exploration carried to its most logical—and devastating—extreme. Marquis de Sade’s semi-autobiographical protagonist, Monsieur de Franval, is rich, handsome, intelligent, and thoroughly immoral. When he marries a pious woman and fathers a daughter, he is determined to educate his progeny to be “free.” The ultimate proof of his daughter’s unfettered liberty? That she become his secret lover. But when the beautiful and accomplished daughter spurns an eligible young bachelor, instead declaring her intention to remain with her father, her naïve and doting mother’s suspicions are at last aroused. Confused and distressed by her daughter’s behavior, Madame de Franval confronts her husband—with tragic results. A challenging and breathtaking masterpiece, Incest is a sober portrait of catastrophe in the midst of excess.
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'There is no story or novel in the whole history of European literature in which the dangers of libertinage are exposed with such force; no other work in which the dark style is taken to such heights of terror and pathos.' - De Sade
From the Publisher
Hesperus Press, as suggested by their Latin motto, Et remotissima prope, is dedicated to bringing near what is far—far both in space and time. Works by illustrious authors, often unjustly neglected or simply little known in the English–speaking world, are made accessible through a completely fresh editorial approach and new translations. Through these short classic works, which feature forewords by leading contemporary authors, the modern reader will be introduced to the greatest writers of Europe and America. An elegantly designed series of genuine rediscoveries.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
28 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Please Disregard the Below, or, The Critique of the Critic,
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This review is from: Incest (Hesperus Classics) (Paperback)
For artfulness alone, and pure freedom, or should I say boldness, of thought, the Marquis De Sade earns five stars for this work and everything else he's written (except of course "Oxtiern," which is, admittedly, dreadful). In this age of hum-drum prose, hacks, and politically-correct morons, Sade's works serve as much needed escapism. As for the below criticism, that Sade is overrated because he doesn't describe graphic sex--a comment like that only means its author hasn't read "120 Days of Sodom," or "Justine," or "Juliette"--whose lewdness would make even the devil blush.
14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Eugênie de Franval with a Racier Title,
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This review is from: Incest (Hesperus Classics) (Paperback)
Originally published in English by Bantam Books in 1964 in The Crimes of Love book as Eugenie de Franval. This short story describes how one amoral man's plan to create the perfectly libertine daughter ends in disaster.
As one of de Sade's earlier works, it has the typical Justine character in Madame Franval. Pious, loving her indifferent husband without question, and in all manners virtuous. The proto-Juliette figure is seen in Eugenie, raised to spurn religion, laugh at social customs, and to embrace vices. The third primary character is Eugenie's father, de Franval. It could be inferred that this character is portraying de Sade, trying to create the perfect woman, but failing in the end. Unlike the 1000 page plus tomes of Juliette and Justine, this story does enable the reader to get the gist of de Sade's sophistry in a page or two, rather than the normal 10 page single character dissertations found in other writings. Overall, a good introduction to de Sade, without the descriptive sexual escapades he is famous for, in fact a made for TV movie could be made without any editing due to content. If you are interested in this book, I would recommend purchasing the aforementioned "Crimes of Love."
13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A quick, deep read,
By
This review is from: Incest (Hesperus Classics) (Paperback)
This is one of Sade's most well executed works. At its best his prose captures above all the heavy inevitability of real life. As in our lives, there are no miracles, no surprise rescues... only the unavoidable consequences of our actions. INCEST captures that reality and much more. In a way this is an especially philosophical work which very accurately portrays the power-dynamic between parent and child, and the relationship between man and local moral code. There is a spareness to Sade's writing here that will refresh those easily bored by the longwinded philosophical diatribes of works such as JUSTINE and JULIETTE. INCEST is a short quick-moving tale with all elements perfectly placed. A must-read for any fans of the Marquis.
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