DULL!, 05 May 2008
Dull, dull, dull! If you're after a book with a hint of eroticism then this is not for you! After reading 'The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker' I thought this may be in the same vain but how wrong was I?!
This is not erotic and is hardly even 'sexual adventures' as the title suggests, it is mind numbing drivvle (she compares her orgasm to fusing with the Cosmos for goodness sake!)
If you want a page turner and something to increase your heart rate even slightly then I do not recommend you buy this nonsense.


HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, 02 Aug 2006
Need an erotic read with a thoughtfully written believable story about real life with detailed sexual encounters? Then this could be what you are after

Easy reading for bedtimes, evenings or holidays.
As long as you know what you are getting (don't expect this book to challenge the literary greats) Then this is the book for you

(on a similar level i would recommend Melissa P 100 strokes...)



Amazing story. Amazing woman., 28 Jul 2006
"Insatiable" is a story about love, courage and the human condition. The authoress is an example of freedom use of female sexuality and a brillant mind who can make easy deeply reflexions about what we are. Two inches over the floor she seems be outside of the moral rules and social hypocrisy. Very recommend book and very recommend woman. I have fund her personnal web: www.valerietasso.com. Good complement at the book.

A page-turner!, 18 Feb 2006
"Insatiable" is a rare treat in the fact that it has a good story but it's not totally unbelievable. It kept my eyes glued to the page, to say the least. The adventures of such a younger girl might make some cringe, but I thought it wasn't all that unrealistic.

If you are looking for a good read that will keep you turning the pages, "Insatiable" could be it. Other suggestions: "A Hundred Strokes of the Brush" and "Take Your Shirt Off".

An amazing story which left me on the edge of my seat., 27 Jan 2006
This is an amazing account of a girls life.
Once i had got a quarter of the way through this book, i not only couldn't put it down, but I was sat on the edge of my seat to see what happened to her next.
The books draws you into it as if you are apart of it.
Although this book was quite tame in its accound of what happens to girls who choose prostitution as a way of life. I can recommend this book to anyone who wants an insight into prostitution.

DULL!, 05 May 2008
Dull, dull, dull! If you're after a book with a hint of eroticism then this is not for you! After reading 'The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker' I thought this may be in the same vain but how wrong was I?!
This is not erotic and is hardly even 'sexual adventures' as the title suggests, it is mind numbing drivvle (she compares her orgasm to fusing with the Cosmos for goodness sake!)
If you want a page turner and something to increase your heart rate even slightly then I do not recommend you buy this nonsense.


HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, 02 Aug 2006
Need an erotic read with a thoughtfully written believable story about real life with detailed sexual encounters? Then this could be what you are after

Easy reading for bedtimes, evenings or holidays.
As long as you know what you are getting (don't expect this book to challenge the literary greats) Then this is the book for you

(on a similar level i would recommend Melissa P 100 strokes...)



Amazing story. Amazing woman., 28 Jul 2006
"Insatiable" is a story about love, courage and the human condition. The authoress is an example of freedom use of female sexuality and a brillant mind who can make easy deeply reflexions about what we are. Two inches over the floor she seems be outside of the moral rules and social hypocrisy. Very recommend book and very recommend woman. I have fund her personnal web: www.valerietasso.com. Good complement at the book.

A page-turner!, 18 Feb 2006
"Insatiable" is a rare treat in the fact that it has a good story but it's not totally unbelievable. It kept my eyes glued to the page, to say the least. The adventures of such a younger girl might make some cringe, but I thought it wasn't all that unrealistic.

If you are looking for a good read that will keep you turning the pages, "Insatiable" could be it. Other suggestions: "A Hundred Strokes of the Brush" and "Take Your Shirt Off".

An amazing story which left me on the edge of my seat., 27 Jan 2006
This is an amazing account of a girls life.
Once i had got a quarter of the way through this book, i not only couldn't put it down, but I was sat on the edge of my seat to see what happened to her next.
The books draws you into it as if you are apart of it.
Although this book was quite tame in its accound of what happens to girls who choose prostitution as a way of life. I can recommend this book to anyone who wants an insight into prostitution.

Disappointing, 14 Jul 2008
I am, and remain a huge fan of the Marquis De Sade. I bought this book as it professed to gather together all of his most famous erotic writing. Whilst it includes Justine, Juliette and Philosophy In The Bedroom, the greatest disappointment lies in the fact that De Sade's masterpiece, 120 Days Of Sodom, a 500-page opus, has been "summarised" or rather completely butchered! What remains is a couple of hundred pages of literature reduced to a collection of lists. This can never be the "complete" De Sade.

An enlightening introduction, 18 Apr 2008
This is an interesting read, though not for the faint hearted nor those of an overtly religious disposition that may be sensitive to critiques of the same. De Sade was indeed, very ahead of his time in his philosophical argument and was a highly skilled narrator with a broad imagination. Whilst it is easy to state that his views were extremeist, it is however important to read between the lines. De Sade's era was governed by moralist and pious attitudes. You also have to take into account his cultural environment at the time of writing. For example, 120 Days of Sodom, his most controversial works of this collection, was written when he was in the Bastille, when one's imagination could run riot (here he seems highly focused on coprophilia/coprophagia, bestiality, incest and torture). Other works make mention of what would be regarded as edge play (e.g. autoerotic asphyxiation). De Sade was out to shock (and still does) but, by his own admission, all he asks for in return is overall objectivity from his readers, not collusion.

Brilliant, 05 Sep 2007
This is just the perfect book as an introduction to De Sade or if you already know his stories and want a book which contains all the best ones. It is clearly printed and is a must for anyone interested in De Sade.

DULL!, 05 May 2008
Dull, dull, dull! If you're after a book with a hint of eroticism then this is not for you! After reading 'The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker' I thought this may be in the same vain but how wrong was I?!
This is not erotic and is hardly even 'sexual adventures' as the title suggests, it is mind numbing drivvle (she compares her orgasm to fusing with the Cosmos for goodness sake!)
If you want a page turner and something to increase your heart rate even slightly then I do not recommend you buy this nonsense.


HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, 02 Aug 2006
Need an erotic read with a thoughtfully written believable story about real life with detailed sexual encounters? Then this could be what you are after

Easy reading for bedtimes, evenings or holidays.
As long as you know what you are getting (don't expect this book to challenge the literary greats) Then this is the book for you

(on a similar level i would recommend Melissa P 100 strokes...)



Amazing story. Amazing woman., 28 Jul 2006
"Insatiable" is a story about love, courage and the human condition. The authoress is an example of freedom use of female sexuality and a brillant mind who can make easy deeply reflexions about what we are. Two inches over the floor she seems be outside of the moral rules and social hypocrisy. Very recommend book and very recommend woman. I have fund her personnal web: www.valerietasso.com. Good complement at the book.

A page-turner!, 18 Feb 2006
"Insatiable" is a rare treat in the fact that it has a good story but it's not totally unbelievable. It kept my eyes glued to the page, to say the least. The adventures of such a younger girl might make some cringe, but I thought it wasn't all that unrealistic.

If you are looking for a good read that will keep you turning the pages, "Insatiable" could be it. Other suggestions: "A Hundred Strokes of the Brush" and "Take Your Shirt Off".

An amazing story which left me on the edge of my seat., 27 Jan 2006
This is an amazing account of a girls life.
Once i had got a quarter of the way through this book, i not only couldn't put it down, but I was sat on the edge of my seat to see what happened to her next.
The books draws you into it as if you are apart of it.
Although this book was quite tame in its accound of what happens to girls who choose prostitution as a way of life. I can recommend this book to anyone who wants an insight into prostitution.

Disappointing, 14 Jul 2008
I am, and remain a huge fan of the Marquis De Sade. I bought this book as it professed to gather together all of his most famous erotic writing. Whilst it includes Justine, Juliette and Philosophy In The Bedroom, the greatest disappointment lies in the fact that De Sade's masterpiece, 120 Days Of Sodom, a 500-page opus, has been "summarised" or rather completely butchered! What remains is a couple of hundred pages of literature reduced to a collection of lists. This can never be the "complete" De Sade.

An enlightening introduction, 18 Apr 2008
This is an interesting read, though not for the faint hearted nor those of an overtly religious disposition that may be sensitive to critiques of the same. De Sade was indeed, very ahead of his time in his philosophical argument and was a highly skilled narrator with a broad imagination. Whilst it is easy to state that his views were extremeist, it is however important to read between the lines. De Sade's era was governed by moralist and pious attitudes. You also have to take into account his cultural environment at the time of writing. For example, 120 Days of Sodom, his most controversial works of this collection, was written when he was in the Bastille, when one's imagination could run riot (here he seems highly focused on coprophilia/coprophagia, bestiality, incest and torture). Other works make mention of what would be regarded as edge play (e.g. autoerotic asphyxiation). De Sade was out to shock (and still does) but, by his own admission, all he asks for in return is overall objectivity from his readers, not collusion.

Brilliant, 05 Sep 2007
This is just the perfect book as an introduction to De Sade or if you already know his stories and want a book which contains all the best ones. It is clearly printed and is a must for anyone interested in De Sade.

For fans and followers only, 27 Sep 2008
What makes de Sade's work facinating and interesting is his philosophy and throught provoking messages.
Yet, he remains a very untalented and boring writer, a fact many of his 'fans' and 'followers' overlook. His writings are mostly used to sell his idea and do not follow a plot or show any imagination.
Individuals who harbour an interest in crime, vice, evil and sadism will enjoy these writings, no doubt. But for the majority it is a boring and a tedious read, full of revolting images and beliefes that make one doubt the conciousness of publishers.

Personally I found his ideas worth of attention, but imposibble to read the book without skipping pages. It is facinating to dip into the mind of a criminal and someone who lost his human nature.

Yet I would not recomend it for anyone who has not a genuin obsession with de Sade or crime.

A book that shows the other side, 22 Jan 2001
People intrested in sadomasochistic sex are often thought of as people who are on the fringe of society, as people who have not learnt the rules and who cannot fit in. Sade however was obviously very intelligent, his philosophies are well thought out and contain ingenious analogies. Having studied numerous similar religeous theologies for several years I found it was very stimulating to read a convincing argument of the contrary. He does a good job of making a life of vice and selfishness sound a excusable path to choose. One last point, I think the Dialogue between a priest and a dying man is one of the most thought provoking pieces I have ever read.

It's funny how a book about eroticism has so many reviews..., 29 Mar 1999
"The supreme value of his testimony lies in its ability to disturb us. It forces us to reexamine thoroughly the basic problem which haunts our age in different forms:the true relation between man and man." - Simone de Beauvoir

"Justine is the most abominable book ever engendered by the most depraved imagination." - Napoleon Bonaparte

Was Napoleon really disturbed by these novels (or did he test out these static plots on his own)? How unsuccessful could this book really be if someone like Naploeon was repulsed by the story of 'Justine'? And why do so many people comment on this book, as opposed to other books that have a higher sales rank according to Amazon.com, when only a mere several thousand copies have been purchased? Aren't you curious?

It's funny how a book about eroticism has so many reviews..., 29 Mar 1999
"The supreme value of his testimony lies in its ability to disturb us. It forces uss to reexamine thoroughly the basic problem which haunts our age in different forms:the true relation between man and man." - Simone de Beauvoir

"Justine is the most abominable book ever engendered by the most depraved imagination." - Napoleon Bonaparte

Was Napoleon really disturbed by these novels (or did he test out these static plots on his own)? How unsuccessful could this book really be if someone like Naploeon was repulsed by the story of 'Justine'? And why do so many people comment on this book, as opposed to other books that have a higher sales rank according to Amazon.com, when only a couple thousand copies have been purchased? Aren't you curious?

Interesting Philosophy, 02 Mar 1999
Sades philosophy, that virtue by its very nature cannot withstand against vice, is thought provoking and it is for this that these stories are worth taking a look at. The writing style, though, can be a bit tiresome. The characters are all one-dimensional and many times Sade writes pages and pages of descriptive narrative that goes absolutely nowhere except right back to where it began. Not for the impatient.

DULL!, 05 May 2008
Dull, dull, dull! If you're after a book with a hint of eroticism then this is not for you! After reading 'The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker' I thought this may be in the same vain but how wrong was I?!
This is not erotic and is hardly even 'sexual adventures' as the title suggests, it is mind numbing drivvle (she compares her orgasm to fusing with the Cosmos for goodness sake!)
If you want a page turner and something to increase your heart rate even slightly then I do not recommend you buy this nonsense.


HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, 02 Aug 2006
Need an erotic read with a thoughtfully written believable story about real life with detailed sexual encounters? Then this could be what you are after

Easy reading for bedtimes, evenings or holidays.
As long as you know what you are getting (don't expect this book to challenge the literary greats) Then this is the book for you

(on a similar level i would recommend Melissa P 100 strokes...)



Amazing story. Amazing woman., 28 Jul 2006
"Insatiable" is a story about love, courage and the human condition. The authoress is an example of freedom use of female sexuality and a brillant mind who can make easy deeply reflexions about what we are. Two inches over the floor she seems be outside of the moral rules and social hypocrisy. Very recommend book and very recommend woman. I have fund her personnal web: www.valerietasso.com. Good complement at the book.

A page-turner!, 18 Feb 2006
"Insatiable" is a rare treat in the fact that it has a good story but it's not totally unbelievable. It kept my eyes glued to the page, to say the least. The adventures of such a younger girl might make some cringe, but I thought it wasn't all that unrealistic.

If you are looking for a good read that will keep you turning the pages, "Insatiable" could be it. Other suggestions: "A Hundred Strokes of the Brush" and "Take Your Shirt Off".

An amazing story which left me on the edge of my seat., 27 Jan 2006
This is an amazing account of a girls life.
Once i had got a quarter of the way through this book, i not only couldn't put it down, but I was sat on the edge of my seat to see what happened to her next.
The books draws you into it as if you are apart of it.
Although this book was quite tame in its accound of what happens to girls who choose prostitution as a way of life. I can recommend this book to anyone who wants an insight into prostitution.

Disappointing, 14 Jul 2008
I am, and remain a huge fan of the Marquis De Sade. I bought this book as it professed to gather together all of his most famous erotic writing. Whilst it includes Justine, Juliette and Philosophy In The Bedroom, the greatest disappointment lies in the fact that De Sade's masterpiece, 120 Days Of Sodom, a 500-page opus, has been "summarised" or rather completely butchered! What remains is a couple of hundred pages of literature reduced to a collection of lists. This can never be the "complete" De Sade.

An enlightening introduction, 18 Apr 2008
This is an interesting read, though not for the faint hearted nor those of an overtly religious disposition that may be sensitive to critiques of the same. De Sade was indeed, very ahead of his time in his philosophical argument and was a highly skilled narrator with a broad imagination. Whilst it is easy to state that his views were extremeist, it is however important to read between the lines. De Sade's era was governed by moralist and pious attitudes. You also have to take into account his cultural environment at the time of writing. For example, 120 Days of Sodom, his most controversial works of this collection, was written when he was in the Bastille, when one's imagination could run riot (here he seems highly focused on coprophilia/coprophagia, bestiality, incest and torture). Other works make mention of what would be regarded as edge play (e.g. autoerotic asphyxiation). De Sade was out to shock (and still does) but, by his own admission, all he asks for in return is overall objectivity from his readers, not collusion.

Brilliant, 05 Sep 2007
This is just the perfect book as an introduction to De Sade or if you already know his stories and want a book which contains all the best ones. It is clearly printed and is a must for anyone interested in De Sade.

For fans and followers only, 27 Sep 2008
What makes de Sade's work facinating and interesting is his philosophy and throught provoking messages.
Yet, he remains a very untalented and boring writer, a fact many of his 'fans' and 'followers' overlook. His writings are mostly used to sell his idea and do not follow a plot or show any imagination.
Individuals who harbour an interest in crime, vice, evil and sadism will enjoy these writings, no doubt. But for the majority it is a boring and a tedious read, full of revolting images and beliefes that make one doubt the conciousness of publishers.

Personally I found his ideas worth of attention, but imposibble to read the book without skipping pages. It is facinating to dip into the mind of a criminal and someone who lost his human nature.

Yet I would not recomend it for anyone who has not a genuin obsession with de Sade or crime.

A book that shows the other side, 22 Jan 2001
People intrested in sadomasochistic sex are often thought of as people who are on the fringe of society, as people who have not learnt the rules and who cannot fit in. Sade however was obviously very intelligent, his philosophies are well thought out and contain ingenious analogies. Having studied numerous similar religeous theologies for several years I found it was very stimulating to read a convincing argument of the contrary. He does a good job of making a life of vice and selfishness sound a excusable path to choose. One last point, I think the Dialogue between a priest and a dying man is one of the most thought provoking pieces I have ever read.

It's funny how a book about eroticism has so many reviews..., 29 Mar 1999
"The supreme value of his testimony lies in its ability to disturb us. It forces us to reexamine thoroughly the basic problem which haunts our age in different forms:the true relation between man and man." - Simone de Beauvoir

"Justine is the most abominable book ever engendered by the most depraved imagination." - Napoleon Bonaparte

Was Napoleon really disturbed by these novels (or did he test out these static plots on his own)? How unsuccessful could this book really be if someone like Naploeon was repulsed by the story of 'Justine'? And why do so many people comment on this book, as opposed to other books that have a higher sales rank according to Amazon.com, when only a mere several thousand copies have been purchased? Aren't you curious?

It's funny how a book about eroticism has so many reviews..., 29 Mar 1999
"The supreme value of his testimony lies in its ability to disturb us. It forces uss to reexamine thoroughly the basic problem which haunts our age in different forms:the true relation between man and man." - Simone de Beauvoir

"Justine is the most abominable book ever engendered by the most depraved imagination." - Napoleon Bonaparte

Was Napoleon really disturbed by these novels (or did he test out these static plots on his own)? How unsuccessful could this book really be if someone like Naploeon was repulsed by the story of 'Justine'? And why do so many people comment on this book, as opposed to other books that have a higher sales rank according to Amazon.com, when only a couple thousand copies have been purchased? Aren't you curious?

Interesting Philosophy, 02 Mar 1999
Sades philosophy, that virtue by its very nature cannot withstand against vice, is thought provoking and it is for this that these stories are worth taking a look at. The writing style, though, can be a bit tiresome. The characters are all one-dimensional and many times Sade writes pages and pages of descriptive narrative that goes absolutely nowhere except right back to where it began. Not for the impatient.

Beautiful, 24 Jan 2008
Who would have thought some of the roughest and hardest men in sport could look so sexy and tame....... Madonna is a huge fan and provides the forward "shocking" i believe she wrote in silver metaliic pen, so if its good enough for the Queen of Erotica then its good enough for me, stunning!

A Masterly Beautiful Book of Thrillingly Gorgeous, Nude Male Athletes!, 16 May 2006
The extraordinarily beautiful and lavishly produced calendars and videodiscs that have come out year by year of photography, of supremely fine calibre, of the rugby players who are members of the team, Dieux du Stade, Paris, and of their "guests", i.e. other rugby players from teams all over the world, have become iconographic monuments of the nude and nearly-nude male body. However, this book, drawing upon the wealth of photos and stills from the videos, perhaps inlucding yet other images as well of the same and perhaps other men, surpasses even previous products.

This book is gorgeous; it is overwhelming; it is an exalted tribute to the male body and to the god-like figure of the professional athlete. There is something almost supernatural at times in the supernal beauty and naturalness, as Rousseau captures them for immortality, of these varied and magnificent men that makes one tremble, not just with sexual arousal (but that, too, and how!), but with wonder at the sheer grace, strength, and allure of the male human form and of the photographer's art.

Judging from the copyrights, which are given up to 2007, well in the future at the time of the book's publication, one presumes that there are images and probably players, too, not yet included in the videodiscss and calendars that have come out to date.

This is a lavish book and more than well worth its price, a fine monographic tribute to the photographer, Francois Rousseau, as well as to such men who, astoundingly, have been permitting themselves to be photographed so intimately. There is little written text, so whether the buyer is English- or French-speaking (or of any other language), the book will be a worthwhile purchase for truly anyone, anywhere in the world. Women and gay men will thrill at these photos, but so will lovers more generally of the nude in art of Rousseau's level as he has attained it with the camera!

An appreciation of the male form - WOW!!!, 12 Feb 2006
A perfect gift for anyone who appreciates the male form. This was a gift from my fiance and it was VERY well received! Beautiful men photographed beautifully, every picture is a treat for the eyes - mouthwatering. Whilst there are a few pictures of fully naked men (or demi-gods), the majority leave just a little for the imagination. This book can be appreciated equally as a book of fine photographic art, or as a 'bedroom' companion - whatever you would want from a book of photographs of male nudes, it delivers - BIG TIME. Even if this book had not been a gift, I would have happily shelled out the cash and bought it for myself - and have been very glad I did!

Misleading title, 29 Jan 2006
It's not the French NATIONAL Rugby team but "just" Stade Francais and a few other Sports personalities. Apart from that not bad.

DULL!, 05 May 2008
Dull, dull, dull! If you're after a book with a hint of eroticism then this is not for you! After reading 'The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker' I thought this may be in the same vain but how wrong was I?!
This is not erotic and is hardly even 'sexual adventures' as the title suggests, it is mind numbing drivvle (she compares her orgasm to fusing with the Cosmos for goodness sake!)
If you want a page turner and something to increase your heart rate even slightly then I do not recommend you buy this nonsense.


HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, 02 Aug 2006
Need an erotic read with a thoughtfully written believable story about real life with detailed sexual encounters? Then this could be what you are after

Easy reading for bedtimes, evenings or holidays.
As long as you know what you are getting (don't expect this book to challenge the literary greats) Then this is the book for you

(on a similar level i would recommend Melissa P 100 strokes...)



Amazing story. Amazing woman., 28 Jul 2006
"Insatiable" is a story about love, courage and the human condition. The authoress is an example of freedom use of female sexuality and a brillant mind who can make easy deeply reflexions about what we are. Two inches over the floor she seems be outside of the moral rules and social hypocrisy. Very recommend book and very recommend woman. I have fund her personnal web: www.valerietasso.com. Good complement at the book.

A page-turner!, 18 Feb 2006
"Insatiable" is a rare treat in the fact that it has a good story but it's not totally unbelievable. It kept my eyes glued to the page, to say the least. The adventures of such a younger girl might make some cringe, but I thought it wasn't all that unrealistic.

If you are looking for a good read that will keep you turning the pages, "Insatiable" could be it. Other suggestions: "A Hundred Strokes of the Brush" and "Take Your Shirt Off".

An amazing story which left me on the edge of my seat., 27 Jan 2006
This is an amazing account of a girls life.
Once i had got a quarter of the way through this book, i not only couldn't put it down, but I was sat on the edge of my seat to see what happened to her next.
The books draws you into it as if you are apart of it.
Although this book was quite tame in its accound of what happens to girls who choose prostitution as a way of life. I can recommend this book to anyone who wants an insight into prostitution.

Disappointing, 14 Jul 2008
I am, and remain a huge fan of the Marquis De Sade. I bought this book as it professed to gather together all of his most famous erotic writing. Whilst it includes Justine, Juliette and Philosophy In The Bedroom, the greatest disappointment lies in the fact that De Sade's masterpiece, 120 Days Of Sodom, a 500-page opus, has been "summarised" or rather completely butchered! What remains is a couple of hundred pages of literature reduced to a collection of lists. This can never be the "complete" De Sade.

An enlightening introduction, 18 Apr 2008
This is an interesting read, though not for the faint hearted nor those of an overtly religious disposition that may be sensitive to critiques of the same. De Sade was indeed, very ahead of his time in his philosophical argument and was a highly skilled narrator with a broad imagination. Whilst it is easy to state that his views were extremeist, it is however important to read between the lines. De Sade's era was governed by moralist and pious attitudes. You also have to take into account his cultural environment at the time of writing. For example, 120 Days of Sodom, his most controversial works of this collection, was written when he was in the Bastille, when one's imagination could run riot (here he seems highly focused on coprophilia/coprophagia, bestiality, incest and torture). Other works make mention of what would be regarded as edge play (e.g. autoerotic asphyxiation). De Sade was out to shock (and still does) but, by his own admission, all he asks for in return is overall objectivity from his readers, not collusion.

Brilliant, 05 Sep 2007
This is just the perfect book as an introduction to De Sade or if you already know his stories and want a book which contains all the best ones. It is clearly printed and is a must for anyone interested in De Sade.

For fans and followers only, 27 Sep 2008
What makes de Sade's work facinating and interesting is his philosophy and throught provoking messages.
Yet, he remains a very untalented and boring writer, a fact many of his 'fans' and 'followers' overlook. His writings are mostly used to sell his idea and do not follow a plot or show any imagination.
Individuals who harbour an interest in crime, vice, evil and sadism will enjoy these writings, no doubt. But for the majority it is a boring and a tedious read, full of revolting images and beliefes that make one doubt the conciousness of publishers.

Personally I found his ideas worth of attention, but imposibble to read the book without skipping pages. It is facinating to dip into the mind of a criminal and someone who lost his human nature.

Yet I would not recomend it for anyone who has not a genuin obsession with de Sade or crime.

A book that shows the other side, 22 Jan 2001
People intrested in sadomasochistic sex are often thought of as people who are on the fringe of society, as people who have not learnt the rules and who cannot fit in. Sade however was obviously very intelligent, his philosophies are well thought out and contain ingenious analogies. Having studied numerous similar religeous theologies for several years I found it was very stimulating to read a convincing argument of the contrary. He does a good job of making a life of vice and selfishness sound a excusable path to choose. One last point, I think the Dialogue between a priest and a dying man is one of the most thought provoking pieces I have ever read.

It's funny how a book about eroticism has so many reviews..., 29 Mar 1999
"The supreme value of his testimony lies in its ability to disturb us. It forces us to reexamine thoroughly the basic problem which haunts our age in different forms:the true relation between man and man." - Simone de Beauvoir

"Justine is the most abominable book ever engendered by the most depraved imagination." - Napoleon Bonaparte

Was Napoleon really disturbed by these novels (or did he test out these static plots on his own)? How unsuccessful could this book really be if someone like Naploeon was repulsed by the story of 'Justine'? And why do so many people comment on this book, as opposed to other books that have a higher sales rank according to Amazon.com, when only a mere several thousand copies have been purchased? Aren't you curious?

It's funny how a book about eroticism has so many reviews..., 29 Mar 1999
"The supreme value of his testimony lies in its ability to disturb us. It forces uss to reexamine thoroughly the basic problem which haunts our age in different forms:the true relation between man and man." - Simone de Beauvoir

"Justine is the most abominable book ever engendered by the most depraved imagination." - Napoleon Bonaparte

Was Napoleon really disturbed by these novels (or did he test out these static plots on his own)? How unsuccessful could this book really be if someone like Naploeon was repulsed by the story of 'Justine'? And why do so many people comment on this book, as opposed to other books that have a higher sales rank according to Amazon.com, when only a couple thousand copies have been purchased? Aren't you curious?

Interesting Philosophy, 02 Mar 1999
Sades philosophy, that virtue by its very nature cannot withstand against vice, is thought provoking and it is for this that these stories are worth taking a look at. The writing style, though, can be a bit tiresome. The characters are all one-dimensional and many times Sade writes pages and pages of descriptive narrative that goes absolutely nowhere except right back to where it began. Not for the impatient.

Beautiful, 24 Jan 2008
Who would have thought some of the roughest and hardest men in sport could look so sexy and tame....... Madonna is a huge fan and provides the forward "shocking" i believe she wrote in silver metaliic pen, so if its good enough for the Queen of Erotica then its good enough for me, stunning!

A Masterly Beautiful Book of Thrillingly Gorgeous, Nude Male Athletes!, 16 May 2006
The extraordinarily beautiful and lavishly produced calendars and videodiscs that have come out year by year of photography, of supremely fine calibre, of the rugby players who are members of the team, Dieux du Stade, Paris, and of their "guests", i.e. other rugby players from teams all over the world, have become iconographic monuments of the nude and nearly-nude male body. However, this book, drawing upon the wealth of photos and stills from the videos, perhaps inlucding yet other images as well of the same and perhaps other men, surpasses even previous products.

This book is gorgeous; it is overwhelming; it is an exalted tribute to the male body and to the god-like figure of the professional athlete. There is something almost supernatural at times in the supernal beauty and naturalness, as Rousseau captures them for immortality, of these varied and magnificent men that makes one tremble, not just with sexual arousal (but that, too, and how!), but with wonder at the sheer grace, strength, and allure of the male human form and of the photographer's art.

Judging from the copyrights, which are given up to 2007, well in the future at the time of the book's publication, one presumes that there are images and probably players, too, not yet included in the videodiscss and calendars that have come out to date.

This is a lavish book and more than well worth its price, a fine monographic tribute to the photographer, Francois Rousseau, as well as to such men who, astoundingly, have been permitting themselves to be photographed so intimately. There is little written text, so whether the buyer is English- or French-speaking (or of any other language), the book will be a worthwhile purchase for truly anyone, anywhere in the world. Women and gay men will thrill at these photos, but so will lovers more generally of the nude in art of Rousseau's level as he has attained it with the camera!

An appreciation of the male form - WOW!!!, 12 Feb 2006
A perfect gift for anyone who appreciates the male form. This was a gift from my fiance and it was VERY well received! Beautiful men photographed beautifully, every picture is a treat for the eyes - mouthwatering. Whilst there are a few pictures of fully naked men (or demi-gods), the majority leave just a little for the imagination. This book can be appreciated equally as a book of fine photographic art, or as a 'bedroom' companion - whatever you would want from a book of photographs of male nudes, it delivers - BIG TIME. Even if this book had not been a gift, I would have happily shelled out the cash and bought it for myself - and have been very glad I did!

Misleading title, 29 Jan 2006
It's not the French NATIONAL Rugby team but "just" Stade Francais and a few other Sports personalities. Apart from that not bad.

Brutal. Incessent. Ravings. Two part review (part 2), 09 Nov 2003
continued...

–and the strong -after learning the lessons nature loudly proclaims with every deer the lion downs - must reassert the natural power relations between the weak and the strong.

The theory that we are all selfish is, of course, irrefutable. Being as we only see the world through our own eyes and conceptualise it through our own minds, our action will always be driven by our own interests. What is contestable in Sade is the way our utter, never-ending selfishness expresses itself: sometimes selfishness can be best pursued through putting the interest of others first (making the very dichotomy between love of self and love of others somewhat convoluted). Like those who err by considering survival of the fittest to be one and the same as survival of the most aggressive, de Sade conceives selfishness as unrepentant brutality. This is - as people familiar with the concept of the selfish gene will concur – utter rubbish. What the theoretician in his Ivory Tower rightly conceives as selfishness is often indiscernible from what the man or woman on the street sees as selflessness.

But, renowned killers like Stalin – the archetypal sadist who enjoyed dining with friends he knew his goons would be executing the very next day - add historical weight to de Sades arguments. As do countless powerful men who have used their position to torture, abuse, and kill the powerless. Nazi doctors liked to pump their victims veins full of air until their eyes exploded. General Prosper Anvil (a Haitian dictator) liked to butcher dissidents and then have their bodies displayed on television as a warning to others. The Saudi Arabian monarch (the worlds greatest human rights abusers) beheads anyone who questions its legitimacy. The cronies of Suharto (supported by the west, incidentally) liked to dismember their victims penises – and make trails of them through villages the people of which they had just exterminated. The USA wages war on anyone who resists its imperialism, but kills anonymous numbers rather than individuals, and with a technological efficiency that the third world dictators, with their uncivilised machetes, are probably envious of. Serial killers (Dr. Shipman, Albert Fish, the beast of Brazil, Ted Bundy etc) rape, kill, eat and copulate with their dead victims. Everything that de Sade writes in Juliette, and in his other works, has a historical parallel: and this is the truly disturbing feature of this book. De Sade predicts the brutality of humanity, and retrospection (and, perhaps, introspection?) gives us all the evidence we need to certify his philosophy. – we humans have shown ourselves to be cruel, selfish, power driven beings and sitting here, surfing the internet in our luxurious homes, we should not be oblivious to the fact that majority of humans are living in abject poverty so that we can have this lifestyle. We would rather see serial killers as aberrations, but an honest appraisal of human history shows us to be a depraved, war-mongering being who would rather butcher anyone who disagrees with us than seek peaceful resolution. Open your local paper: yet another rape, another murder, another crime. It is not that we are all bad, but that we are not all good: this is the truth Juliette reveals and which we are in collective denial of. The Marquis de Sade is warning us about the horrors which lie behind the charade of virtuousness we all affect, and in doing so, is painting a very worrying picture of human nature which cannot help but shock.

On a lesser level, things like marriage, religion, brotherly love are pure, moronic nonsense we needlessly trap our passions with. For instance, de Sade writes on feminine compassion, "…Instead of taking pity of his sufferings,of mitigating them and turning them ridiculously into a burden to be borne by your own sympathies,besensible,my dear,and view him merely as a creature nature has designed for your entertainment..rather than wipehis tears,redouble the cause of his weeping,if you like,if it amuses you!Here are human beings readied for the scythe of your passions,reap a goodly harvest,dear Juliette:nature is bountiful,emulate the spider,spin your webs and mercilessly devour everything nature'swise and liberal hand casts into the meshes"

It should be evident that, despite what is often thought, de Sade theory of life is not anarchistic (an anarchist believes freedom is not absolute, it ceases at the invasion of anothers freedom) but simply fascistic and totalitarian. His conception of human nature is similar, but more brutal, than Hobbes' was, and whereas the latter came up with a whole political-philosophy to try to control the beast he saw in man, de Sade saw no point in hiding from who we are and in denying the selfish, sick passions nature has brought us into this world with. If we are given these desires – from the female who wants nothing more than emotionless sex, which is behaviour society sadly denigrates with a four letter word, to the man who wants to butcher his neighbours and eat their remains– how can they possibly be wrong in any absolute sense? The disturbing insight de Sade offers is that they cannot, everything which has happened and which will happen under the sun is natural. This book lifts the veil off of human nature, and all that we see underneath is darkness, depravity and death. It is thus a warning against giving power to a minority, and even though this is not what de Sade was striving for, it is a 1200 page argument for meaningful democracy (as opposed to the spectator democracy we have now)

Bland story and superficial, indistinct characters, but compelling, and well-argued philosophy (albeit repeated ad nauseum). Three stars.

---
Note: in claiming that all motivations derive from sexual-power impulses, de Sade anticipated Freudian psychoanalysis. In noting the relativity of morality, he anticipated existentialism. In seeing man as an animal, he anticipated early Darwinism. He was an intellectual of monstrousstanding.

Brutal. Incessent. Ravings. Two part review (part 1), 09 Nov 2003
I am of the opinion that if the Marquis de Sade had a creative bone in his body he would have much greater influence on western literature than he has had. Most writers of meaningful fiction (think the obvious George Orwell) begin with a premise which they then deconstruct into various literary elements - plot, character, setting, scene etc - all of which are developed and underpinned by the basic, philosophical or social starting point. The idea, in other words, is obscured by the authors creativity. The Marquis de Sade bypassed this process all together - it is clear in Juliette (and in all of his books save for the Gothic Tales) that he was woefully inadequate at writing fiction, and subtle plot constructs and distinct characters are all absent - indeed all his characters are the same, from the homeless prostitute to the king, they all appear as highly educated libertines. He does not wrap his idea - his conception of human nature - in literary creativity and as such, if we wish to understand how he wrote, we really should imagine him locked up in a prison cell filling page after page, night after night, with his perceptive, yet incessant, ravings.

Do not expect a gripping story - there is no beginning, middle or end - but do expect to have your beliefs challenged. If dreadful at telling a story the Marquis de Sade was expert at bringing philosophical ideas to life, in ways which will leave you cornered with the feeling that you must refute what he is writing, but often you cannot. The problem is -as another reviewer noted - he is not a encyclopaedic thinker and, although he has an admirable knack of presenting the same arguments time after time in new ways, the repetition does becoming increasingly tedious.

Is Juliette shocking? Yes and no. The actual manifestation of his philosophy throughout this novel is too artificial, too absurd and too comic to even be believed. It fails to shock because, being the writer he was, de Sade was unable to capture the emotional reaction of his literary victims: there is an utter void of affect in the executed and the executors. The victims come across as simple mannequins, and if raped (for example) they are as passive and emotionless as wooden dolls. Linking in to what I said earlier: if de Sade had the creativity and artistic wherewithal to give his characters real feeling and psychological depth this would be a visually disturbing novel. For the same reason (in case anybody is wondering) this is not pornography, indeed, in my opinion, it is the exact reverse. The sex scenes are so redundant of passion - and I do not mean in the post-modern, J.G. Ballard sense - that they are mostly boring and unbelievable. De Sade seemed to have an (infantile) obsession with - how shall I put this? - connecting as many naked people together as possible, and if you imagine 10 people of unlike sex connected, you will soon appreciate the intentional comic nature in de Sades writings. His understanding of female and male anatomy seems to be little further advanced than that of a schoolboy, and in over-intellectualising human relations, his sex scenes, like the ones of violence, are simply bland.

As I see it, the sex and the violence in Juliette are metaphors for power relations, the illustration for his conception of humankind. Why the Marquis de Sade may shock some is because he takes to task every single cherished western value and every tenet our so-called civilisation is propped up on, and tries to convince us - with unrepentant, bombastic force and poetic precision - that it is all utter nonsense, self-deception and stupidity. There is no love. There is no God. There is no evil. Life has no point. We are all worthless vermin, condemned to die by being born, and nature (the only real judge) is as indifferent to our crimes and vices as it is to our goodness and virtues. We are selfish, depraved animals who would gain so much, says de Sade, from hacking everyone to bits if only we had to guts to overcome our cultural conditioning which dictates to us to act otherwise. The weak are here for the abuses of the strong, and anybody who obstructs us in our pleasures, however trivial they may seem, should be crushed without the slightest touch of sentiment of guilt . Nature is not offended if we rape others, if we kill our children or our parents, if we steal, destroy and pillage: nature does not differentiate matter as human over matter as faeces - it is all the same and all part of the endless (and pointless) cycle of this planets existence. If we have the urge to kill, then what is there to stop us other than cowardly shivering at the feet of the beast of society? The human is but another animal, motivated by the same basic, primal urges - to eat (to stay alive) and to engage in coitus - and to destroy those who get in our way when we are trying to fulfil these urges - and to think otherwise is simply self-deception. His bleak vision offends us for the same reason the suicide does - because it says something about existence we would rather ignore, in fact, it says something our whole culture must refute simple to make sense: that life is worth living and that existence is a positive manifestation. Sade questions this, believing that we waste our finite lives living up to empty, socially created morals which, deep down, we all know are ridiculous and which we all know oppose our natural inclinations. To Sade, society is a conspiracy the parasites of the human race have mounted to the infinite detriment of the strong of mind and body....

continued...

Ultra Sadist Classic, 23 Dec 2002
I'm a bit bemused by the negative reviews on the Amazon site regarding "Juliette" - I consider it one of De Sade's best and miles better than the more popular, but undeniably more repetitive, '120 Days in Sodom'. I can only assume that most people skipped through the pages in a rush or find his style of prose in 'Juliette' too frantic to keep up with. For my money (along with the classic 'Justine'), this tome has the lot. It's an orgy of the Marquis's most extreme fantasises, intermixed with philosophical rants - at times, this combination can be extremely humorous. I think people neglect the fact that De Sade had a wicked sense of humour and this is mostly evident in 'Juliette'. This is probably the most extreme book I've ever read, in terms of sex and violence alone, everything since has appeared tame and mundane. I'd recommend this to anyone who's prepared to go along for the ride.

Bible., 09 Jul 1999
Could care less to say anymore, but anyway... To read a novel for the sake of its language - keep looking and skip this one. The english translations of DeSade are extremely rich, yet will not reflect the depth of his style, mind you, you need to know his other writings and his biography to truly appreciate this masterpiece. If you are looking for a break from everyday's philosophy built on christianity or other dull mind tweakings - this book is for you. read it slow but don't stop. read it early in the morning and before going to sleep. read it in the train and on a bus. stop and re-read what you think is a good fragment. analyze it and chew on it - it will change your life. and if you don't think, your life needs a change, this book won't ask, what you think. there has been no one after this great master to write about these topics with such depth, realism and truth. deSade is worth studying French, (advanced French), since he was publish mostly in his native language throughout Europe, and hardly enough in the "freedom of speech" country.

An interesting dissertation on the philosophy of libertinage, 17 Jun 1999
Being a college student forced to study the humanist philosophers, de Sade's "Juliette" was a refreshing change from the love thy neighbor philosophies I've read before. In no way do I condone the actions of dear Juliette, but it's a good book for the philosophy and historical porn. Some of the long speeches I could have done without, but i enjoyed in none the less. Warning- this book gave me strange dreams, so read at your own risk.

DULL!, 05 May 2008
Dull, dull, dull! If you're after a book with a hint of eroticism then this is not for you! After reading 'The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker' I thought this may be in the same vain but how wrong was I?!
This is not erotic and is hardly even 'sexual adventures' as the title suggests, it is mind numbing drivvle (she compares her orgasm to fusing with the Cosmos for goodness sake!)
If you want a page turner and something to increase your heart rate even slightly then I do not recommend you buy this nonsense.


HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, 02 Aug 2006
Need an erotic read with a thoughtfully written believable story about real life with detailed sexual encounters? Then this could be what you are after

Easy reading for bedtimes, evenings or holidays.
As long as you know what you are getting (don't expect this book to challenge the literary greats) Then this is the book for you

(on a similar level i would recommend Melissa P 100 strokes...)



Amazing story. Amazing woman., 28 Jul 2006
"Insatiable" is a story about love, courage and the human condition. The authoress is an example of freedom use of female sexuality and a brillant mind who can make easy deeply reflexions about what we are. Two inches over the floor she seems be outside of the moral rules and social hypocrisy. Very recommend book and very recommend woman. I have fund her personnal web: www.valerietasso.com. Good complement at the book.

A page-turner!, 18 Feb 2006
"Insatiable" is a rare treat in the fact that it has a good story but it's not totally unbelievable. It kept my eyes glued to the page, to say the least. The adventures of such a younger girl might make some cringe, but I thought it wasn't all that unrealistic.

If you are looking for a good read that will keep you turning the pages, "Insatiable" could be it. Other suggestions: "A Hundred Strokes of the Brush" and "Take Your Shirt Off".

An amazing story which left me on the edge of my seat., 27 Jan 2006
This is an amazing account of a girls life.
Once i had got a quarter of the way through this book, i not only couldn't put it down, but I was sat on the edge of my seat to see what happened to her next.
The books draws you into it as if you are apart of it.
Although this book was quite tame in its accound of what happens to girls who choose prostitution as a way of life. I can recommend this book to anyone who wants an insight into prostitution.

Disappointing, 14 Jul 2008
I am, and remain a huge fan of the Marquis De Sade. I bought this book as it professed to gather together all of his most famous erotic writing. Whilst it includes Justine, Juliette and Philosophy In The Bedroom, the greatest disappointment lies in the fact that De Sade's masterpiece, 120 Days Of Sodom, a 500-page opus, has been "summarised" or rather completely butchered! What remains is a couple of hundred pages of literature reduced to a collection of lists. This can never be the "complete" De Sade.

An enlightening introduction, 18 Apr 2008
This is an interesting read, though not for the faint hearted nor those of an overtly religious disposition that may be sensitive to critiques of the same. De Sade was indeed, very ahead of his time in his philosophical argument and was a highly skilled narrator with a broad imagination. Whilst it is easy to state that his views were extremeist, it is however important to read between the lines. De Sade's era was governed by moralist and pious attitudes. You also have to take into account his cultural environment at the time of writing. For example, 120 Days of Sodom, his most controversial works of this collection, was written when he was in the Bastille, when one's imagination could run riot (here he seems highly focused on coprophilia/coprophagia, bestiality, incest and torture). Other works make mention of what would be regarded as edge play (e.g. autoerotic asphyxiation). De Sade was out to shock (and still does) but, by his own admission, all he asks for in return is overall objectivity from his readers, not collusion.

Brilliant, 05 Sep 2007
This is just the perfect book as an introduction to De Sade or if you already know his stories and want a book which contains all the best ones. It is clearly printed and is a must for anyone interested in De Sade.

For fans and followers only, 27 Sep 2008
What makes de Sade's work facinating and interesting is his philosophy and throught provoking messages.
Yet, he remains a very untalented and boring writer, a fact many of his 'fans' and 'followers' overlook. His writings are mostly used to sell his idea and do not follow a plot or show any imagination.
Individuals who harbour an interest in crime, vice, evil and sadism will enjoy these writings, no doubt. But for the majority it is a boring and a tedious read, full of revolting images and beliefes that make one doubt the conciousness of publishers.

Personally I found his ideas worth of attention, but imposibble to read the book without skipping pages. It is facinating to dip into the mind of a criminal and someone who lost his human nature.

Yet I would not recomend it for anyone who has not a genuin obsession with de Sade or crime.

A book that shows the other side, 22 Jan 2001
People intrested in sadomasochistic sex are often thought of as people who are on the fringe of society, as people who have not learnt the rules and who cannot fit in. Sade however was obviously very intelligent, his philosophies are well thought out and contain ingenious analogies. Having studied numerous similar religeous theologies for several years I found it was very stimulating to read a convincing argument of the contrary. He does a good job of making a life of vice and selfishness sound a excusable path to choose. One last point, I think the Dialogue between a priest and a dying man is one of the most thought provoking pieces I have ever read.

It's funny how a book about eroticism has so many reviews..., 29 Mar 1999
"The supreme value of his testimony lies in its ability to disturb us. It forces us to reexamine thoroughly the basic problem which haunts our age in different forms:the true relation between man and man." - Simone de Beauvoir

"Justine is the most abominable book ever engendered by the most depraved imagination." - Napoleon Bonaparte

Was Napoleon really disturbed by these novels (or did he test out these static plots on his own)? How unsuccessful could this book really be if someone like Naploeon was repulsed by the story of 'Justine'? And why do so many people comment on this book, as opposed to other books that have a higher sales rank according to Amazon.com, when only a mere several thousand copies have been purchased? Aren't you curious?

It's funny how a book about eroticism has so many reviews..., 29 Mar 1999
"The supreme value of his testimony lies in its ability to disturb us. It forces uss to reexamine thoroughly the basic problem which haunts our age in different forms:the true relation between man and man." - Simone de Beauvoir

"Justine is the most abominable book ever engendered by the most depraved imagination." - Napoleon Bonaparte

Was Napoleon really disturbed by these novels (or did he test out these static plots on his own)? How unsuccessful could this book really be if someone like Naploeon was repulsed by the story of 'Justine'? And why do so many people comment on this book, as opposed to other books that have a higher sales rank according to Amazon.com, when only a couple thousand copies have been purchased? Aren't you curious?

Interesting Philosophy, 02 Mar 1999
Sades philosophy, that virtue by its very nature cannot withstand against vice, is thought provoking and it is for this that these stories are worth taking a look at. The writing style, though, can be a bit tiresome. The characters are all one-dimensional and many times Sade writes pages and pages of descriptive narrative that goes absolutely nowhere except right back to where it began. Not for the impatient.

Beautiful, 24 Jan 2008
Who would have thought some of the roughest and hardest men in sport could look so sexy and tame....... Madonna is a huge fan and provides the forward "shocking" i believe she wrote in silver metaliic pen, so if its good enough for the Queen of Erotica then its good enough for me, stunning!

A Masterly Beautiful Book of Thrillingly Gorgeous, Nude Male Athletes!, 16 May 2006
The extraordinarily beautiful and lavishly produced calendars and videodiscs that have come out year by year of photography, of supremely fine calibre, of the rugby players who are members of the team, Dieux du Stade, Paris, and of their "guests", i.e. other rugby players from teams all over the world, have become iconographic monuments of the nude and nearly-nude male body. However, this book, drawing upon the wealth of photos and stills from the videos, perhaps inlucding yet other images as well of the same and perhaps other men, surpasses even previous products.

This book is gorgeous; it is overwhelming; it is an exalted tribute to the male body and to the god-like figure of the professional athlete. There is something almost supernatural at times in the supernal beauty and naturalness, as Rousseau captures them for immortality, of these varied and magnificent men that makes one tremble, not just with sexual arousal (but that, too, and how!), but with wonder at the sheer grace, strength, and allure of the male human form and of the photographer's art.

Judging from the copyrights, which are given up to 2007, well in the future at the time of the book's publication, one presumes that there are images and probably players, too, not yet included in the videodiscss and calendars that have come out to date.

This is a lavish book and more than well worth its price, a fine monographic tribute to the photographer, Francois Rousseau, as well as to such men who, astoundingly, have been permitting themselves to be photographed so intimately. There is little written text, so whether the buyer is English- or French-speaking (or of any other language), the book will be a worthwhile purchase for truly anyone, anywhere in the world. Women and gay men will thrill at these photos, but so will lovers more generally of the nude in art of Rousseau's level as he has attained it with the camera!

An appreciation of the male form - WOW!!!, 12 Feb 2006
A perfect gift for anyone who appreciates the male form. This was a gift from my fiance and it was VERY well received! Beautiful men photographed beautifully, every picture is a treat for the eyes - mouthwatering. Whilst there are a few pictures of fully naked men (or demi-gods), the majority leave just a little for the imagination. This book can be appreciated equally as a book of fine photographic art, or as a 'bedroom' companion - whatever you would want from a book of photographs of male nudes, it delivers - BIG TIME. Even if this book had not been a gift, I would have happily shelled out the cash and bought it for myself - and have been very glad I did!

Misleading title, 29 Jan 2006
It's not the French NATIONAL Rugby team but "just" Stade Francais and a few other Sports personalities. Apart from that not bad.

Brutal. Incessent. Ravings. Two part review (part 2), 09 Nov 2003
continued...

–and the strong -after learning the lessons nature loudly proclaims with every deer the lion downs - must reassert the natural power relations between the weak and the strong.

The theory that we are all selfish is, of course, irrefutable. Being as we only see the world through our own eyes and conceptualise it through our own minds, our action will always be driven by our own interests. What is contestable in Sade is the way our utter, never-ending selfishness expresses itself: sometimes selfishness can be best pursued through putting the interest of others first (making the very dichotomy between love of self and love of others somewhat convoluted). Like those who err by considering survival of the fittest to be one and the same as survival of the most aggressive, de Sade conceives selfishness as unrepentant brutality. This is - as people familiar with the concept of the selfish gene will concur – utter rubbish. What the theoretician in his Ivory Tower rightly conceives as selfishness is often indiscernible from what the man or woman on the street sees as selflessness.

But, renowned killers like Stalin – the archetypal sadist who enjoyed dining with friends he knew his goons would be executing the very next day - add historical weight to de Sades arguments. As do countless powerful men who have used their position to torture, abuse, and kill the powerless. Nazi doctors liked to pump their victims veins full of air until their eyes exploded. General Prosper Anvil (a Haitian dictator) liked to butcher dissidents and then have their bodies displayed on television as a warning to others. The Saudi Arabian monarch (the worlds greatest human rights abusers) beheads anyone who questions its legitimacy. The cronies of Suharto (supported by the west, incidentally) liked to dismember their victims penises – and make trails of them through villages the people of which they had just exterminated. The USA wages war on anyone who resists its imperialism, but kills anonymous numbers rather than individuals, and with a technological efficiency that the third world dictators, with their uncivilised machetes, are probably envious of. Serial killers (Dr. Shipman, Albert Fish, the beast of Brazil, Ted Bundy etc) rape, kill, eat and copulate with their dead victims. Everything that de Sade writes in Juliette, and in his other works, has a historical parallel: and this is the truly disturbing feature of this book. De Sade predicts the brutality of humanity, and retrospection (and, perhaps, introspection?) gives us all the evidence we need to certify his philosophy. – we humans have shown ourselves to be cruel, selfish, power driven beings and sitting here, surfing the internet in our luxurious homes, we should not be oblivious to the fact that majority of humans are living in abject poverty so that we can have this lifestyle. We would rather see serial killers as aberrations, but an honest appraisal of human history shows us to be a depraved, war-mongering being who would rather butcher anyone who disagrees with us than seek peaceful resolution. Open your local paper: yet another rape, another murder, another crime. It is not that we are all bad, but that we are not all good: this is the truth Juliette reveals and which we are in collective denial of. The Marquis de Sade is warning us about the horrors which lie behind the charade of virtuousness we all affect, and in doing so, is painting a very worrying picture of human nature which cannot help but shock.

On a lesser level, things like marriage, religion, brotherly love are pure, moronic nonsense we needlessly trap our passions with. For instance, de Sade writes on feminine compassion, "…Instead of taking pity of his sufferings,of mitigating them and turning them ridiculously into a burden to be borne by your own sympathies,besensible,my dear,and view him merely as a creature nature has designed for your entertainment..rather than wipehis tears,redouble the cause of his weeping,if you like,if it amuses you!Here are human beings readied for the scythe of your passions,reap a goodly harvest,dear Juliette:nature is bountiful,emulate the spider,spin your webs and mercilessly devour everything nature'swise and liberal hand casts into the meshes"

It should be evident that, despite what is often thought, de Sade theory of life is not anarchistic (an anarchist believes freedom is not absolute, it ceases at the invasion of anothers freedom) but simply fascistic and totalitarian. His conception of human nature is similar, but more brutal, than Hobbes' was, and whereas the latter came up with a whole political-philosophy to try to control the beast he saw in man, de Sade saw no point in hiding from who we are and in denying the selfish, sick passions nature has brought us into this world with. If we are given these desires – from the female who wants nothing more than emotionless sex, which is behaviour society sadly denigrates with a four letter word, to the man who wants to butcher his neighbours and eat their remains– how can they possibly be wrong in any absolute sense? The disturbing insight de Sade offers is that they cannot, everything which has happened and which will happen under the sun is natural. This book lifts the veil off of human nature, and all that we see underneath is darkness, depravity and death. It is thus a warning against giving power to a minority, and even though this is not what de Sade was striving for, it is a 1200 page argument for meaningful democracy (as opposed to the spectator democracy we have now)

Bland story and superficial, indistinct characters, but compelling, and well-argued philosophy (albeit repeated ad nauseum). Three stars.

---
Note: in claiming that all motivations derive from sexual-power impulses, de Sade anticipated Freudian psychoanalysis. In noting the relativity of morality, he anticipated existentialism. In seeing man as an animal, he anticipated early Darwinism. He was an intellectual of monstrousstanding.

Brutal. Incessent. Ravings. Two part review (part 1), 09 Nov 2003
I am of the opinion that if the Marquis de Sade had a creative bone in his body he would have much greater influence on western literature than he has had. Most writers of meaningful fiction (think the obvious George Orwell) begin with a premise which they then deconstruct into various literary elements - plot, character, setting, scene etc - all of which are developed and underpinned by the basic, philosophical or social starting point. The idea, in other words, is obscured by the authors creativity. The Marquis de Sade bypassed this process all together - it is clear in Juliette (and in all of his books save for the Gothic Tales) that he was woefully inadequate at writing fiction, and subtle plot constructs and distinct characters are all absent - indeed all his characters are the same, from the homeless prostitute to the king, they all appear as highly educated libertines. He does not wrap his idea - his conception of human nature - in literary creativity and as such, if we wish to understand how he wrote, we really should imagine him locked up in a prison cell filling page after page, night after night, with his perceptive, yet incessant, ravings.

Do not expect a gripping story - there is no beginning, middle or end - but do expect to have your beliefs challenged. If dreadful at telling a story the Marquis de Sade was expert at bringing philosophical ideas to life, in ways which will leave you cornered with the feeling that you must refute what he is writing, but often you cannot. The problem is -as another reviewer noted - he is not a encyclopaedic thinker and, although he has an admirable knack of presenting the same arguments time after time in new ways, the repetition does becoming increasingly tedious.

Is Juliette shocking? Yes and no. The actual manifestation of his philosophy throughout this novel is too artificial, too absurd and too comic to even be believed. It fails to shock because, being the writer he was, de Sade was unable to capture the emotional reaction of his literary victims: there is an utter void of affect in the executed and the executors. The victims come across as simple mannequins, and if raped (for example) they are as passive and emotionless as wooden dolls. Linking in to what I said earlier: if de Sade had the creativity and artistic wherewithal to give his characters real feeling and psychological depth this would be a visually disturbing novel. For the same reason (in case anybody is wondering) this is not pornography, indeed, in my opinion, it is the exact reverse. The sex scenes are so redundant of passion - and I do not mean in the post-modern, J.G. Ballard sense - that they are mostly boring and unbelievable. De Sade seemed to have an (infantile) obsession with - how shall I put this? - connecting as many naked people together as possible, and if you imagine 10 people of unlike sex connected, you will soon appreciate the intentional comic nature in de Sades writings. His understanding of female and male anatomy seems to be little further advanced than that of a schoolboy, and in over-intellectualising human relations, his sex scenes, like the ones of violence, are simply bland.

As I see it, the sex and the violence in Juliette are metaphors for power relations, the illustration for his conception of humankind. Why the Marquis de Sade may shock some is because he takes to task every single cherished western value and every tenet our so-called civilisation is propped up on, and tries to convince us - with unrepentant, bombastic force and poetic precision - that it is all utter nonsense, self-deception and stupidity. There is no love. There is no God. There is no evil. Life has no point. We are all worthless vermin, condemned to die by being born, and nature (the only real judge) is as indifferent to our crimes and vices as it is to our goodness and virtues. We are selfish, depraved animals who would gain so much, says de Sade, from hacking everyone to bits if only we had to guts to overcome our cultural conditioning which dictates to us to act otherwise. The weak are here for the abuses of the strong, and anybody who obstructs us in our pleasures, however trivial they may seem, should be crushed without the slightest touch of sentiment of guilt . Nature is not offended if we rape others, if we kill our children or our parents, if we steal, destroy and pillage: nature does not differentiate matter as human over matter as faeces - it is all the same and all part of the endless (and pointless) cycle of this planets existence. If we have the urge to kill, then what is there to stop us other than cowardly shivering at the feet of the beast of society? The human is but another animal, motivated by the same basic, primal urges - to eat (to stay alive) and to engage in coitus - and to destroy those who get in our way when we are trying to fulfil these urges - and to think otherwise is simply self-deception. His bleak vision offends us for the same reason the suicide does - because it says something about existence we would rather ignore, in fact, it says something our whole culture must refute simple to make sense: that life is worth living and that existence is a positive manifestation. Sade questions this, believing that we waste our finite lives living up to empty, socially created morals which, deep down, we all know are ridiculous and which we all know oppose our natural inclinations. To Sade, society is a conspiracy the parasites of the human race have mounted to the infinite detriment of the strong of mind and body....

continued...

Ultra Sadist Classic, 23 Dec 2002
I'm a bit bemused by the negative reviews on the Amazon site regarding "Juliette" - I consider it one of De Sade's best and miles better than the more popular, but undeniably more repetitive, '120 Days in Sodom'. I can only assume that most people skipped through the pages in a rush or find his style of prose in 'Juliette' too frantic to keep up with. For my money (along with the classic 'Justine'), this tome has the lot. It's an orgy of the Marquis's most extreme fantasises, intermixed with philosophical rants - at times, this combination can be extremely humorous. I think people neglect the fact that De Sade had a wicked sense of humour and this is mostly evident in 'Juliette'. This is probably the most extreme book I've ever read, in terms of sex and violence alone, everything since has appeared tame and mundane. I'd recommend this to anyone who's prepared to go along for the ride.

Bible., 09 Jul 1999
Could care less to say anymore, but anyway... To read a novel for the sake of its language - keep looking and skip this one. The english translations of DeSade are extremely rich, yet will not reflect the depth of his style, mind you, you need to know his other writings and his biography to truly appreciate this masterpiece. If you are looking for a break from everyday's philosophy built on christianity or other dull mind tweakings - this book is for you. read it slow but don't stop. read it early in the morning and before going to sleep. read it in the train and on a bus. stop and re-read what you think is a good fragment. analyze it and chew on it - it will change your life. and if you don't think, your life needs a change, this book won't ask, what you think. there has been no one after this great master to write about these topics with such depth, realism and truth. deSade is worth studying French, (advanced French), since he was publish mostly in his native language throughout Europe, and hardly enough in the "freedom of speech" country.

An interesting dissertation on the philosophy of libertinage, 17 Jun 1999
Being a college student forced to study the humanist philosophers, de Sade's "Juliette" was a refreshing change from the love thy neighbor philosophies I've read before. In no way do I condone the actions of dear Juliette, but it's a good book for the philosophy and historical porn. Some of the long speeches I could have done without, but i enjoyed in none the less. Warning- this book gave me strange dreams, so read at your own risk.

Great intro to Sade, 27 May 2002
This was the first time I read any of the Marquis de Sade's stories, and I think it was a good introduction. The stories are great examples of the Gothic genre. I was surprised that many of the stories were quite moralistic, the author either directly or indirectly condemning the perpetrators of injustice or vice. In many cases the villains get their comeuppance in a suitable fashion. Definitely worth it if you're into gothic horror, etc. Some of the stories are a bit longwinded though, so I deduct a star for that.

DULL!, 05 May 2008
Dull, dull, dull! If you're after a book with a hint of eroticism then this is not for you! After reading 'The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker' I thought this may be in the same vain but how wrong was I?!
This is not erotic and is hardly even 'sexual adventures' as the title suggests, it is mind numbing drivvle (she compares her orgasm to fusing with the Cosmos for goodness sake!)
If you want a page turner and something to increase your heart rate even slightly then I do not recommend you buy this nonsense.


HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, 02 Aug 2006
Need an erotic read with a thoughtfully written believable story about real life with detailed sexual encounters? Then this could be what you are after

Easy reading for bedtimes, evenings or holidays.
As long as you know what you are getting (don't expect this book to challenge the literary greats) Then this is the book for you

(on a similar level i would recommend Melissa P 100 strokes...)



Amazing story. Amazing woman., 28 Jul 2006
"Insatiable" is a story about love, courage and the human condition. The authoress is an example of freedom use of female sexuality and a brillant mind who can make easy deeply reflexions about what we are. Two inches over the floor she seems be outside of the moral rules and social hypocrisy. Very recommend book and very recommend woman. I have fund her personnal web: www.valerietasso.com. Good complement at the book.

A page-turner!, 18 Feb 2006
"Insatiable" is a rare treat in the fact that it has a good story but it's not totally unbelievable. It kept my eyes glued to the page, to say the least. The adventures of such a younger girl might make some cringe, but I thought it wasn't all that unrealistic.

If you are looking for a good read that will keep you turning the pages, "Insatiable" could be it. Other suggestions: "A Hundred Strokes of the Brush" and "Take Your Shirt Off".

An amazing story which left me on the edge of my seat., 27 Jan 2006
This is an amazing account of a girls life.
Once i had got a quarter of the way through this book, i not only couldn't put it down, but I was sat on the edge of my seat to see what happened to her next.
The books draws you into it as if you are apart of it.
Although this book was quite tame in its accound of what happens to girls who choose prostitution as a way of life. I can recommend this book to anyone who wants an insight into prostitution.

Disappointing, 14 Jul 2008
I am, and remain a huge fan of the Marquis De Sade. I bought this book as it professed to gather together all of his most famous erotic writing. Whilst it includes Justine, Juliette and Philosophy In The Bedroom, the greatest disappointment lies in the fact that De Sade's masterpiece, 120 Days Of Sodom, a 500-page opus, has been "summarised" or rather completely butchered! What remains is a couple of hundred pages of literature reduced to a collection of lists. This can never be the "complete" De Sade.

An enlightening introduction, 18 Apr 2008
This is an interesting read, though not for the faint hearted nor those of an overtly religious disposition that may be sensitive to critiques of the same. De Sade was indeed, very ahead of his time in his philosophical argument and was a highly skilled narrator with a broad imagination. Whilst it is easy to state that his views were extremeist, it is however important to read between the lines. De Sade's era was governed by moralist and pious attitudes. You also have to take into account his cultural environment at the time of writing. For example, 120 Days of Sodom, his most controversial works of this collection, was written when he was in the Bastille, when one's imagination could run riot (here he seems highly focused on coprophilia/coprophagia, bestiality, incest and torture). Other works make mention of what would be regarded as edge play (e.g. autoerotic asphyxiation). De Sade was out to shock (and still does) but, by his own admission, all he asks for in return is overall objectivity from his readers, not collusion.

Brilliant, 05 Sep 2007
This is just the perfect book as an introduction to De Sade or if you already know his stories and want a book which contains all the best ones. It is clearly printed and is a must for anyone interested in De Sade.

For fans and followers only, 27 Sep 2008
What makes de Sade's work facinating and interesting is his philosophy and throught provoking messages.
Yet, he remains a very untalented and boring writer, a fact many of his 'fans' and 'followers' overlook. His writings are mostly used to sell his idea and do not follow a plot or show any imagination.
Individuals who harbour an interest in crime, vice, evil and sadism will enjoy these writings, no doubt. But for the majority it is a boring and a tedious read, full of revolting images and beliefes that make one doubt the conciousness of publishers.

Personally I found his ideas worth of attention, but imposibble to read the book without skipping pages. It is facinating to dip into the mind of a criminal and someone who lost his human nature.

Yet I would not recomend it for anyone who has not a genuin obsession with de Sade or crime.

A book that shows the other side, 22 Jan 2001
People intrested in sadomasochistic sex are often thought of as people who are on the fringe of society, as people who have not learnt the rules and who cannot fit in. Sade however was obviously very intelligent, his philosophies are well thought out and contain ingenious analogies. Having studied numerous similar religeous theologies for several years I found it was very stimulating to read a convincing argument of the contrary. He does a good job of making a life of vice and selfishness sound a excusable path to choose. One last point, I think the Dialogue between a priest and a dying man is one of the most thought provoking pieces I have ever read.

It's funny how a book about eroticism has so many reviews..., 29 Mar 1999
"The supreme value of his testimony lies in its ability to disturb us. It forces us to reexamine thoroughly the basic problem which haunts our age in different forms:the true relation between man and man." - Simone de Beauvoir

"Justine is the most abominable book ever engendered by the most depraved imagination." - Napoleon Bonaparte

Was Napoleon really disturbed by these novels (or did he test out these static plots on his own)? How unsuccessful could this book really be if someone like Naploeon was repulsed by the story of 'Justine'? And why do so many people comment on this book, as opposed to other books that have a higher sales rank according to Amazon.com, when only a mere several thousand copies have been purchased? Aren't you curious?

It's funny how a book about eroticism has so many reviews..., 29 Mar 1999
"The supreme value of his testimony lies in its ability to disturb us. It forces uss to reexamine thoroughly the basic problem which haunts our age in different forms:the true relation between man and man." - Simone de Beauvoir

"Justine is the most abominable book ever engendered by the most depraved imagination." - Napoleon Bonaparte

Was Napoleon really disturbed by these novels (or did he test out these static plots on his own)? How unsuccessful could this book really be if someone like Naploeon was repulsed by the story of 'Justine'? And why do so many people comment on this book, as opposed to other books that have a higher sales rank according to Amazon.com, when only a couple thousand copies have been purchased? Aren't you curious?

Interesting Philosophy, 02 Mar 1999
Sades philosophy, that virtue by its very nature cannot withstand against vice, is thought provoking and it is for this that these stories are worth taking a look at. The writing style, though, can be a bit tiresome. The characters are all one-dimensional and many times Sade writes pages and pages of descriptive narrative that goes absolutely nowhere except right back to where it began. Not for the impatient.

Beautiful, 24 Jan 2008
Who would have thought some of the roughest and hardest men in sport could look so sexy and tame....... Madonna is a huge fan and provides the forward "shocking" i believe she wrote in silver metaliic pen, so if its good enough for the Queen of Erotica then its good enough for me, stunning!

A Masterly Beautiful Book of Thrillingly Gorgeous, Nude Male Athletes!, 16 May 2006
The extraordinarily beautiful and lavishly produced calendars and videodiscs that have come out year by year of photography, of supremely fine calibre, of the rugby players who are members of the team, Dieux du Stade, Paris, and of their "guests", i.e. other rugby players from teams all over the world, have become iconographic monuments of the nude and nearly-nude male body. However, this book, drawing upon the wealth of photos and stills from the videos, perhaps inlucding yet other images as well of the same and perhaps other men, surpasses even previous products.

This book is gorgeous; it is overwhelming; it is an exalted tribute to the male body and to the god-like figure of the professional athlete. There is something almost supernatural at times in the supernal beauty and naturalness, as Rousseau captures them for immortality, of these varied and magnificent men that makes one tremble, not just with sexual arousal (but that, too, and how!), but with