Marquis de Sade

Donatien Alphonse François, Marquis de Sade (/sɑːd, sæd/; French: [dɔnasjɛ̃ alfɔ̃z fʁɑ̃swa maʁki də sad]; 2 June 1740 – 2 December 1814) was a French writer, libertine, political activist and nobleman best known for his libertine novels and imprisonment for sex crimes, blasphemy and pornography. His works include novels, short stories, plays, dialogues, and political tracts. Some of these were published under his own name during his lifetime, but most appeared anonymously or posthumously.

Marquis de Sade was a French writer, libertine, and nobleman known for his erotic novels and imprisonment. Born into a 13th-century noble family, he served in the Seven Years' War before being detained in various prisons due to sex scandals. During his first imprisonment (1777-1790), he wrote several works that were smuggled out by his wife. After release during the French Revolution, he pursued literature and politics but was re-arrested for pornographic novels. His major works include The 120 Days of Sodom, Justine, Juliette, and Philosophy in the Bedroom which contain graphic descriptions of violence alongside discussions on religion, politics, sexuality, and philosophy.