Author. He was a French writer of often violent pornography. He had a philosophy of extreme freedom unrestrained by morality, law or religion, with the pursuit of personal pleasure being the highest principle. He had an overpowering sexual appetite that was well-documented. Though never convicted of any crimes, Sade was a prisoner in various jails and in an insane asylum for twenty-nine years of his life; much of his writing was done during this time. The term "sadism" was derived from his name; the meaning of sadism is cruelty. At one time, his writings were considered a disgrace, but in the 21st century, the writings are studied in college classrooms as respected literature. His published works include "Dialogue Between a Priest and a Dying Man," "The 120 Days of Sodom," "Philosophy in the Bedroom" and others. His will dictated that he be buried in an unmarked grave on his property located in Malmaison, "allowed to grow wild, so that all trace of my resting-place should disappear from the surface of the earth as I flatter myself that my memory will disappear from the minds of men." His wishes were not followed. He was not buried at Malmaison as the property was sold after the will was written. Several sources state that he was buried at Charenton, a lunatic asylum, where he had resided after being declared insane in 1803. A proclaimed atheist, he was given a simple Christian burial. Although his will forbid that his body could be disturbed, his body was later exhumed and his skull was later removed to be examined for phrenology, then lost, and never has been recovered. One source states his remains were removed from the original gravesite during the construction of a building. His grave is marked. The Marquis De Sade has received a place in history, which he did not want.
Author. He was a French writer of often violent pornography. He had a philosophy of extreme freedom unrestrained by morality, law or religion, with the pursuit of personal pleasure being the highest principle. He had an overpowering sexual appetite that was well-documented. Though never convicted of any crimes, Sade was a prisoner in various jails and in an insane asylum for twenty-nine years of his life; much of his writing was done during this time. The term "sadism" was derived from his name; the meaning of sadism is cruelty. At one time, his writings were considered a disgrace, but in the 21st century, the writings are studied in college classrooms as respected literature. His published works include "Dialogue Between a Priest and a Dying Man," "The 120 Days of Sodom," "Philosophy in the Bedroom" and others. His will dictated that he be buried in an unmarked grave on his property located in Malmaison, "allowed to grow wild, so that all trace of my resting-place should disappear from the surface of the earth as I flatter myself that my memory will disappear from the minds of men." His wishes were not followed. He was not buried at Malmaison as the property was sold after the will was written. Several sources state that he was buried at Charenton, a lunatic asylum, where he had resided after being declared insane in 1803. A proclaimed atheist, he was given a simple Christian burial. Although his will forbid that his body could be disturbed, his body was later exhumed and his skull was later removed to be examined for phrenology, then lost, and never has been recovered. One source states his remains were removed from the original gravesite during the construction of a building. His grave is marked. The Marquis De Sade has received a place in history, which he did not want.
Bio by: Linda Davis
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