If de Sade had submitted the original version of Justine to us (from prison) in 1791 we would have rejected it, because it is pure sadism, as is to be expected from the original 'sadist', even though it is wrapped up in philosophy. However, it is now freely available in English as a classic, and has been so for quite a while. This version is simplified rather than toned down, but the actual ages of juveniles have been omitted. de Sade uses his narrative as a vehicle for expressing his opinions at very great length. This and the obscurity of some passages, and the constant repetitions, makes it difficult for the average reader. Here is an effort to rectify this, an honest attempt to make the essence of a masterpiece more easily available by retelling it without losing the strength or the flavour, and enough of the philosophy is retained to make de Sade's opinions clear.
Author Biography
The Marquis de Sade (1740-1814), was born in a palace and ended his life in infamy in a lunatic asylum. Twenty-seven years of his life was spent in gaol for mentioning the unmentionable. Few have read the Marquis de Sade, yet few are unaware of his nature, the desire to inflict pain for pleasure, especially sexual pleasure. His diabolical nature has become embedded in the language - sadism, sadist, sadistic.
