MY FIRST DIRTY BOOK
When I read that the theme for Wicked Wednesday was BOOKS, I thought “That’s easy, I’ll write a story about jacking off to Penthouse Letters, or something like that”, with an appropriate photo, of course. Then, I thought, that was kind of sophomoric and not really too clever, plus I don’t own anything of that type. I pondered discussing erotic literary classics and thought of the books I do have.
One rare book is Confessions of an Eastern Shame Girl by George Soulie DeMorant, a French diplomat in China at the turn of the last century. He translated many works of Chinese literature and also was instrumental to Acupuncture being introduced to the West. This story is one from the 1700’s,with lovely illustrations. This book is old and printed in Paris. Kind of reminds me of Aubrey Beardsley.
And speaking of Aubrey Beardsley, some of my favorite things are etchings and drawings. Here are my two favorite books. Beardsley, of course is quite famous, while Martin Van Maele is not. He was a Belgian illustrator and produced some exquisite, yet bizarre, erotic illustrations that were mostly published in limited editions for private collectors. This book was published in 1970 by Cythea Press with the illustrations from circa 1907.
One of my favorite things I have is a complete collection of Eros Magazine published by Ralph Ginzburg. Of course there are only four of them, because he was indicted under federal obscenity laws for the fourth issue. Eros, was a quarterly hardbound periodical containing interviews,articles and photo-essays on love and sex, and is quite beautiful. My favorite is Autumn 1962 Volume 1, Number 3. Imagine what he would have achieved without the censorship of that day. And yes, that is Marilyn Monroe on the cover, from her last studio photoshoot with Bert Stern, six weeks before her death. The photos are wonderful, as was Eros.
But getting back to my story today; I decided that it would be fun, after thinking about all the different books on Eroticism, Sex, Smut and Good Old Porn… What was the first book I saw the word Fuck or read about sex??? Traveling back in time, I came to the year 1957, when in the 8th or 9th grade a classmate (and I think it was in Algebra class, which we all hated… did’t you?) passed around a paperback book she had ‘borrowed’ from her mother. It was called Peyton Place by Grace Metalious, and it was causing quite the sensation in the book world. And there, underlined in pencil were all the juicy sex parts, some containing the word fuck. None of us read the book, but we sure read the juicy parts. Can you imagine the reaction to that book if published today?
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Thanks to Marie for giving us Wicked Wednesday… can’t wait for 200!
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This was one of the first sex blogs I wrote… fast forward to 2020 and Ms May More’s Blog…
12 comments on “MY FIRST DIRTY BOOK”
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Life of Elliott... 
I cannot remember if I have ever ready Peyton Place, but of course you have me curious now!
Welcome to Wicked Wednesday 🙂
Rebel xox
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Thanks for the welcome, Rebel. I’ve wanted to contribute for some time… and now have the blog to do it.
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I loved this post. What a great post—and informative. This sort of turned into a little history of erotica, and I’d like to see more posts, in general, like this. My first book with uncensored sex was Frank Harris’s “My Life and Loves”. A very and surprisingly entertaining read.
The one thing about Harris was his belief (he fancied himself a Doctor) that the second male orgasm didn’t have any sperm in it. So, on his first go around with the barmaid he’d be fastidiously careful. On the second go round he’d joyfully unload it all — and straight into that sweet 16 year old tummy. Then he’d go on his blissful way and never see the poor girl again. One can only speculate as to how many descendants of Frank Harris are running around Ireland, Wales and England. But those were some of the best passages in the book. Between his vanity, unquenchable egotism, and devastating handsomeness, girls and women were apparently throwing themselves at his feet.
The guy was brilliant — but wrong.
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Thanks, Will. Frank Harris was quite the guy and that is a true classic. He led an interesting life and actually appears as a character in many books, tv shows and even a movie. His Cowboy book is a good one. Yes, how many little Frank and Frankettes are running around?
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Fabulous post . . . and so lovely that you have such a wonderful, and special collection. “Eastern Shame”, “Collected Drawings” and, especially, “Eros”. it’s just like a Polaroids Past of Books!!! Fabulous!!!
Xxx – K
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Thanks, Modesty… yes it is in a way. Have you ever seen Eros?
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that eros cover with Marilyn…wow…
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There are 20 pages on Marilyn. All of the shots taken during that photoshoot. If you have not seen an Eros, you should. Especially this issue, Lenora. By now, they are probably. Available in the library, but back in ’62 they were considered porn. Always afraid of the Artistic Mind. This issue has a pictorial on The Brothel in Art, and a great feature on French Postcards.
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i must find a copy!!!
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I love this Elliott. Eros sounds absolutely wonderful . . . and I love the look of the cover as well.
You really are a treasure trove of fun photos and erotic history too.
Lovely !!!
Xxx – K
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The Eros magazine sounds brilliant Elliott – would love to read one if i ever get the chance. TY for linking up – anytime u want to include some more images of the mag I would love to see them
May x
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