READERS GUIDE

Questions and Topics for Discussion

1. How familiar were you with the life of the Marquis de Sade before reading this book? What did you knowabout his writings?

2. This book asks: “As the age of handwriting comes to an end, what is the value of the original texts left behind?”How would you answer that?

3. What does the book say about book collectors and bibliophiles? Why do we have a passion for rare orunique books?

4. Why, centuries after his death, is there still a public fascination with the Marquis de Sade?

5. What does the book reveal about sexual mores throughout the twentieth century and in Sade’s era?Are there themes that reoccur in the present day?

6. Do you think that those who acquired Sade’s scroll over the years cared more about the manuscript itself orthe esteem that came with owning something highly valued? What makes something valuable?

7. Of the many historical events mentioned in the book—and through which Sade’s scroll was passed—whichsurprised you?

8. Do you think the scroll is “cursed”? Why do you think it’s associated with so many ill-fated occurances?

9. One proponent of banning 120 Days of Sodom noted, “There are some books that are not fit for all people,and some people who are not fit for all books.” Do you think access to 120 Days of Sodom should be banned orrestricted? Why or why not?

10. Can a book itself be dangerous?

11. What do you think Gérard Lhéritier’s motivations were? Do you think he was simply trying to build aninnovative company—or was he running a scam?

12. What does the Aristophil scandal reveal about the culture of rare books in France? Why do you think theoperation was able to be so successful?