Ancient Manners; Also Known As Aphrodite

Name: Ancient Manners; Also Known As Aphrodite
Author: Pierre Louÿs

By Pierre Louÿs

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French Literature Novels Sexuality & Erotica

About This Book

A sensuous narrative centers on a celebrated courtesan in Alexandria, tracing her relationships, public life, and the social rituals that surround desire. Structured in five books, the episodes range from intimate encounters and bacchanalian festivities to dreams, public tumult, and meditations on beauty, piety, mortality, and the body's place in civic culture. The text presents eroticism and devotion without moralizing, portraying physical love as both earthly pleasure and a source of dignity, while following the courtesan's fortunes through scenes of passion, reverence, loss, and transformation.

About the Author

Pierre Louÿs

Pierre Louÿs was a French poet and novelist, celebrated for his sensual and often provocative works. Born in 1870, he is best known for his exploration of themes related to love, desire, and the complexities of human relationships. His notable works include "The Songs of Bilitis," a collection of lyrical poems that reflect on female sexuality and beauty, and "Aphrodite: Moeurs antiques," which delves into the eroticism of ancient cultures. Louÿs's writing is characterized by rich imagery and a deep appreciation for the aesthetic, making him a significant figure in the literary landscape of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.