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

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    A Paperback / softback by Ian Gibson

    £13.49

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    RRP £14.99 – you save £1.50 (10%)

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      Book details

      Publisher Faber & Faber
      Published 18 February 2002
      ISBN-13 9780571209040
      978-0571209040
      ISBN-10 0571209041

      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

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