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The 19th century
In the Victorian period, the quality of erotic fiction
was much below that of the previous century—it was
largely written by 'hacks'. Some works, however,
borrowed 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, where flagellation was routinely
used as a punishment.[39] These clandestine works were
often anonymous or written under a pseudonym, and
sometimes undated, thus definite information about them
often proves elusive.
English erotic novels from this period include The
Lustful Turk (1828); The Romance of Lust (1873); The
Convent School, or Early Experiences of A Young
Flagellant (1876) by Rosa Coote [pseud.]; The Mysteries
of Verbena House, or, Miss Bellasis Birched for Thieving
(1882) by Etonensis [pseud.], actually by George
Augustus Sala and James Campbell Reddie; The
Autobiography of a Flea (1887); Venus in India (1889) by
'Captain Charles Devereaux';[40][41][42] Flossie, a
Venus of Fifteen: By one who knew this Charming Goddess
and worshipped at her shrine (1897)[43] and My Lustful
Adventures by 'Ramrod'. A novel called Beatrice, once
marketed as another classic of Victorian erotica from
the pen of the ubiquitous "Anon", now appears to be a
very clever 20th century pastiche of Victorian
pornography. It first appeared in 1982 and was written
by one Gordon Grimley, a sometime managing director of
Penthouse International.
Clandestine erotic periodicals of this age include The
Pearl, The Oyster and The Boudoir, collections of erotic
tales, rhymes, songs and parodies published in London
between 1879 and 1883.
Erotic Literature - The 19th century
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