Erotic writer behind the word ‘sadism’

A MUCH discussed kind of notoriety is attached to the writer and philosopher the Marquis de Sade, right, Camilla’s relative through a 17th Century forebear, Sebastien, Baron de Ploeuc.

One of the most notorious figures in literature, de Sade’s works concentrated on sexual violence, suffering, perverted sex, crime and blasphemy; the word sadism derives from his name. Among his works was The 120 Days Of Sodom.

De Sade spent 32 years in various prisons and an institution for the insane, but defiantly continued to write his erotica,

dying in an asylum aged 74 in 1814.