Pornocrates by Charles Brison-An Introduction to the life and works of Félicien Rops

This is a fantastic book about the life and work of the "lazy" "womanizing" Félicien Rops, they are not my words but the words of one of Félicien's closest friends - Edmond Haraucourt.
The book starts with a biography of Rops' life, stepping through his financially secure childhood until the death of his beloved Father when he was 12. Mr. Brison then takes us on a meandering journey of Rops' teenage years, which where decidedly uneventful with the exception of the discovery of his artistic talent. Then onto his double life, The doting Husband to his wife Charlotta whilst in his home town of Namur, Belgium- And "vicious, poisonous womanizer" when in his workplace of Paris.
Some say when Rops entered Paris he signed a pact with the Devil, How else could he obtain his unending youthful looks, his masterful talent and his jovial, electrifying personality. Which he wielded on both sexes but for separate and obvious reasons, Gentlemen to ensure more work-Ladies to ensure more entertainment. All individuals listened intently to his exaggerated but involving stories, some tales increasing in size each time he conveyed them, but his expression of those experiences given in detail (sometimes crudely) and with such enthusiasm forced the listeners to him, as if magnetically. Although Félicien played hard, he also worked hard and reserved the majority of his work for the elite. Those whom he knew would appreciate and covet his works, sometimes foregoing financial reward to ensure his Art was beheld by deserving individuals. After many years of debouch he returned to his hometown to live out the end of his days. Although maintaining his youthful looks till his final breath, Rops was practically blind when he passed away quietly and without regret it seems, at his home in 1898. Leaving behind him an immense amount of work and although at the time there were many great artists of the day, Félicien Rops is still as popular amongst lovers of Erotica today as he was in demand in his own time.
The rest of the book takes us through a visual catalogue of the work of Félicien Rops. An exquisite portfolio of Rops most famous works written in bibliographical style. Here we can see the true artist lost in his own world of Satanism and Erotica and yet he still managed to produce results that were more than satisfactory for those who commissioned this artist to create unique pieces of unforgettable symbolism.
I would encourage all Rops fans who haven't yet read this book to source it and enjoy it, it is a fabulous read.
Comments Welcome.

Above: the cover of Pornocrates

Oxtiern/Misfortunes Of Libertinage by D.F.A.

As mentioned earlier I said I might return to the works of the Marquis De Sade, and so I've chosen one of his many theatrical works. De Sade is well known as you already know for 1. His unique sexual tastes for the period in which he lived. 2. Spending the vast majority of his life either on the run or in prison and 3. His Erotic writings, namely 120 Days of Sodom and Juliet to name but a few.
But Donatien Alphonse Francois (D.A.F.) also wrote many plays, although only a handful actually made it to the stage and even those had a veil of Drama surrounding them. The particular Play I'll mention here is "Oxtiern" a prose drama in 3 acts. It follows the tale of a young Lady (Ernestine) who is held against her will through blackmail and the removal of her virtue by a rich and powerful Count (Oxtiern). The play has about 9 Characters, some intermittent and some just making an appearance in Act 3.
Oxtiern has taken Ernestine and her maid without the knowledge of Ernestine's Father who assumes she has just run away. Ernestine's betrothed (Herman) has been locked away on a trumped up charge by Oxtiern. The story evolves by Oxtiern trying to cunningly arrange the death of Ernestine, her Father and her brother. But I won't spoil the intricacies of the plot, I'll let you find out yourself when you  read it.
I enjoyed this little piece, the usual twists and turns apply as in most plays and was very easy to read. I just wanted to offer this theatrical piece up for discussion as it proves that D.A.F. could write commercial works as well as his notorious literary achievements which come to mind the instant De Sade's name is mentioned in whatever context.
I would like to hear your views on this subject, Please leave a comment.

Above: The only known portrait the Marquis De Sade actually sat for.