Description

Book Synopsis

Henry Spencer Ashbee seemed a prosperous and respectable Victorian gentleman. But his well-upholstered chambers in Gray''s Inn concealed a shocking secret: a vast collection of erotica and pornography, thousands of volumes strong.

The Erotomaniac is a fascinating account of Victorian curiosity, repression and subverted desire. Acclaimed biographer Ian Gibson has created an engrossing portrait of Ashbee, which examines the evidence that Ashbee himself may have been the author of the most famous work of Victorian erotica, My Secret Life.



Trade Review
'Here is the lust that dare not speak its name: Victoria may not have been amused; but I guarantee that you'll be.' Sunday Express '[A] gripping, finely researched jewel of a book.' Sunday Times

The Erotomaniac The Secret Life of Henry Spencer

Product form

£13.49

Includes FREE delivery

RRP £14.99 – you save £1.50 (10%)

Order before 4pm today for delivery by Mon 29 Dec 2025.

A Paperback / softback by Ian Gibson

Out of stock


    View other formats and editions of The Erotomaniac The Secret Life of Henry Spencer by Ian Gibson

    Publisher: Faber & Faber
    Publication Date: 18/02/2002
    ISBN13: 9780571209040, 978-0571209040
    ISBN10: 0571209041
    Also in:
    Biography: adventurers and explorers Sex and sexuality, social aspects

    Description

    Book Synopsis

    Henry Spencer Ashbee seemed a prosperous and respectable Victorian gentleman. But his well-upholstered chambers in Gray''s Inn concealed a shocking secret: a vast collection of erotica and pornography, thousands of volumes strong.

    The Erotomaniac is a fascinating account of Victorian curiosity, repression and subverted desire. Acclaimed biographer Ian Gibson has created an engrossing portrait of Ashbee, which examines the evidence that Ashbee himself may have been the author of the most famous work of Victorian erotica, My Secret Life.



    Trade Review
    'Here is the lust that dare not speak its name: Victoria may not have been amused; but I guarantee that you'll be.' Sunday Express '[A] gripping, finely researched jewel of a book.' Sunday Times

    Recently viewed products

    © 2025 Book Curl

      • American Express
      • Apple Pay
      • Diners Club
      • Discover
      • Google Pay
      • Maestro
      • Mastercard
      • PayPal
      • Shop Pay
      • Union Pay
      • Visa

      Login

      Forgot your password?

      Don't have an account yet?
      Create account