In February 1955, Histoire d'O won the literary prize Prix des Deux Magots, and the novel's standing was assured. It had been rushed through in less than three weeks as the publishers wanted to release both issues together.
Although the translation was very puritan, words were mis-translated and the author was not happy. It was published, at the same time, in English for Olympia by Girodias, a colleague of Pauvert's and a publisher of erotic books for sailors. PublicationĪfter a few reluctant rejections from publishers, it was finally published by Jean-Jacques Pauvert 2. It contains scenes of a very explicit nature. The finished book told how O gave herself completely to her lover, and became his willing partner in a BDSM 1 lifestyle. She sent him each chapter as she completed it, and he encouraged her to keep writing and finish it. When he doubted her, she began The Story of O. Knowing of his admiration for the work of the Marquis de Sade, she told him she could write like that too. She had written it because, although their affair eventually spanned three decades, she worried that he would leave her for a younger lover, although never thinking he would leave his wife. Jean liked it so much he suggested immediate publication. The author kept her identity secret until just before her death on 2 May, 1998 - at the age of 91 - when she revealed that she had written it as a love letter to Jean Paulhan, her lover of 20 years. The first edition had a print-run of only 600 copies, but it has since sold millions and hasn't been out of print for nearly 50 years. Published in Paris in June 1954, it was written by Pauline Reage, a pen name for journalist and translator Dominique Aury. It comprises only three lines, but it helps to explain how completely O is bound, of her own accord, to her lover. After the words 'The End', on a new page, is an alternative ending.
After reading the first few pages there is a second version, being shorter and more direct and lasting only half a paragraph, before the story continues. It is unusual because it has two beginnings and two endings. The Story of O is an erotic novel concerning a woman called O and her willing journey into bondage and submission at the hands of her lover.
0 kommentar(er)
