The Romance of Lust

Scandalous. Historical. Uncensored.

First published between 1873 and 1876 in London, The Romance of Lust is a Victorian underground erotic classic. Explicit, unapologetic, and historically revealing, it offers a window into the desires, excesses, and hypocrisies of 19th-century society.

This complete edition restores all four original volumes — unabridged and unedited — as they were first printed under the cloak of anonymity. From its controversial beginnings to academic reappraisal, it remains as powerful and provocative as ever.

“Dr. Wessington-Worth’s introduction explores its elusive authorship and daring publication history.”