Justine

The Wordsworth Erotica Collection includes some ofthe finest Victorian and Edwardian examples of the genre.About this book:Justine, the most celebratedof the novels of the Marquis de Sade, was written in three versions. Thistranslation is taken from the first version- and unlike the other two is a gemof eighteenth century literature. Widely execrated by de Sade's contemporaries andby modern Mrs Grundys, it is an innovative novel of considerable novel ofconsiderable depth and psychological insight.Deserted by her father on his bankruptcy, and thesubsequent death of her mother, the virtuous Justine is thrown onto her own resources. As she makes her way in the world she is subjected to the most frightfulhumiliations- flogging, rape and forced labour, which lead her to believe thatvirtue is not its own reward.