Erotic literature

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Erotic literature is a literary genre that either takes the form of erotica written to arouse the reader, or to give instruction in sexual technique. Much classic erotic literature is of novel length, although there are also erotic short stories. Some poetry has been classed as erotic, and overtly erotic poetry has been written from the time of the Ancient Greeks onwards.

History

Sex manuals such as the "Kama Sutra" are some of the best known works of erotic literature. The "Ananga Ranga" is a lesser known one, aimed specifically at preventing the separation of a husband and wife.

Directories of prostitutes and their services have also historically served as a sexual education in print, such as Harris's "List of Covent Garden Ladies" (1757-1795). The rise of the novel in 18th century England provided a new medium for erotica. One of the most famous in this new genre was "Fanny Hill" by John Cleland. This book set a new standard in literary smut and has often been adapted for the cinema in the 20th century.

In the Victorian period, the quality of erotic fiction was much below that of the previous century - it was written by 'hacks'. However, some contained borrowings from established literary models, such as Dickens. It also featured a curious form of social stratification. Even in the throes of orgasm, the social distinctions between master and servant (including form of address) were scrupulously observed. Significant elements of sado-masochism were present in some examples, perhaps reflecting the influence of the English public school. These were works were often anonymous, and undated, and include such classics of the genre as:

Towards the end of the century, a more 'cultured' form of erotica began to appear. This was associated with the Decadents, in particular, with Aubrey Beardsley and "The Yellow Book". But it was also to be found in France, amongst such writers as Pierre Louys, author of the "Chanson de Bilitis" (a celebration of lesbianism and sexual awakening).

From around the late 1970s, many sex manuals have been published and openly sold in the western world, notably "The Joy of Sex". Sex manuals specifically written for sexual minorities are also now published.

Erotic fiction

Erotic fiction is the name given to fiction that deals with sex or sexual themes, generally in a more literary or serious way than the fiction seen in pornographic magazines and sometimes including elements of satire or social criticism.

Works of significant literary merit that can be classed as erotic literature include:

Romantic novels are sometimes marketed as erotica - or vice versa, as "mainstream" romance -XP in recent years has begun to exhibit blatant (if poetic) descriptions of sex.

Artists books explore relations between the literary, poetic, comic, and artistic representations of sex.

See also Dominatrix in literature

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Wikipedia article: Erotic literature
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