Memoirs of an Erotic Bookseller

This book is a very light read covering many aspects of the erotic exploits of Armand Coppens, an individual that has a very interesting "knack" of finding himself accidentally, or by invitation, experiencing various aspects of sexuality and it's array of permutations.

Armand in one of his many scenarios enhances an old bookshop with his knowledge of photography as the owner, a Mr. Leclercq, proceeds to manoeuvre a lady of Eastern origin in various acrobatic positions upon a table whilst the said owner performs his "duty" as Armand records, through the art of Photography, each detailed still for the pleasure of Leclerq's many overseas clients. Within this segment of the book Armand really plays the part of the "third wheel" as the banter between Leclerq and his uninterested assistant makes for a very humorous scene.
Another of Armand's friends called Dumas (I don't know if it was the influence of the book or my state of mind at the time of reading but I could not help but conjure up the image of an unintelligent quadriped each time I read Armand's friends name) had a unique fantasy of sleeping with two nurses, who HAD to be sisters, in the dunes of a beech and all the while he would imagine himself as the brother of the two Nurse Sisters! Armand being a true friend, endeavoured to fulfil this fantasy and called upon a female part-time roommate/prostitute to realise Dumas' dreams. Unfortunately, Dumas needed the Nurses to be genuine sisters so Armand had to rely on the acting ability of Gertrude and her "sister" to complete the plan. The whole project went very smoothly until Dumas started asking questions about the sister's vocation.......the end result being the ruination of Dumas' fantasy and his temper undoubtedly was directed at his good friend Armand.
There are many more escapades that involve flagellation and dominatrix with a little erotic art and a few orgies added  to the mix but I must refrain from proceeding any further for fear of rewriting the entire book. My thoughts of the reading experience are pleasant and I actually laughed aloud on one or two occasions (to anyone that has already read this masterpiece, I say only one word, Gingerbread!).
The book is filled with many interesting characters as all literature of erotica tends to be and their situational experiences are almost always tinged with a thread of humour. Oh, and I forgot to mention, there is also some references to some of the Erotic books Armand bought and sold throughout his Memoirs. All in all, an enjoyable read, I welcome all comments.

The Ginger Man by JP Dunleavy

Another short post for your perusal..........
The Ginger Man, Published by Olympia Press (see previous posts) in 1955 by Irish-American Novelist/Playwright Mr JP Dunleavy.

This story revolves around the main character, Sebastian Dangerfield. A so called loveable rogue who lives off the generosity of others whilst bending their inherent passive nature to his own will. Sebastian is the quintessential "hanger-on" or "user" abusing his long-suffering wife, friends and extended family for their uses of money, accommodation and sex. As a student, (I use this term very loosely because although one has enrolled in Trinity College Dublin, I'm assuming one must frequent the establishment for the purpose of study to be entitled to call oneself, a student) the education Mr Dangerfield embarks upon is that of Ale-taster in the various public houses within the barony of Dublin City and pursuer of woman for the purpose of.........company.
However, the eroticism of this book is contained not only within the descriptive activities of Sebastian but also in the profanity of the Narrator when supplying his opinion of the various character traits of the individuals unfortunate enough to encounter Mr Dangerfield on his escapades.

This is a brilliant read for those interested in Erotica of the mid-twentieth century although in my opinion the books success at the time was equally due to the erotic content and legal bickering (between author and publisher) that followed it's publication.

JP Dunleavy still resides in Ireland and has a list of works to his name but none have had notoriety close to that of The Ginger Man.