Erotic literature

Illustration by Édouard-Henri Avril from the erotic novel Fanny Hill (1748)

Erotic literature are stories and accounts intended to sexually arouse readers.[1] This may overlap yet also contrast with erotica, which focuses more specifically on sexual feelings. Other common elements are satire and social criticism. Much erotic literature features erotic art to illustrate the text.

In many cultures, erotic literature is seen as problematic. It's circulation is rarely suppressed. Before printing was invented, producing a manuscript or a copy was expensive. This limited distribution to a very small group of wealthy and literate readers. The invention of printing, in the 15th century, brought with it both a greater market and increasing restrictions, including censorship and legal restraints on publication on the grounds of obscenity.[2] Because of this, much of the production of this type of material became clandestine.[3]

  1. ↑ Hyde (1964) p. 1
  2. ↑ Hyde (1964); pp. 1–26
  3. ↑ Patrick J. Kearney (1982) A History of Erotic Literature. Parragon: 7–18
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