Story Of ‘O’

Story of O is the classic erotic novel of bondage and submission. O, a young and beautiful fashion photographer in Paris, is led by her lover to a chateau, where she becomes a slave. The publisher calls it a captivating story of sexual bondage and a bestselling classic.

In France it was called scandalous on release: the press went after its anonymous author and the publisher ended up in court. Today the publisher ranks this sadomasochistic tale as a classic alongside the Marquis de Sade.

• The publisher calls it a bestselling classic of erotic literature.
• It explores dominance, submission and obsession in a literary, rather than explicit-manual, style.
• Its history as a scandalous, anonymous book is part of the story.

Story of O is fantasy: the power dynamics in the book are not a model for real relationships. If it sparks curiosity about kink, our BDSM for beginners guide and bondage for beginners cover consent, safe words and starter gear.

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What is Story of O about?

O, a young fashion photographer in Paris, is brought by her lover to a chateau and kept there as a slave. The publisher calls it a captivating story of sexual bondage.

Why is it considered a classic?

It caused a scandal when it first appeared in France and its publisher was taken to court; today, the publisher says, it is considered a classic to stand beside the Marquis de Sade.

Who wrote it, and when?

It first appeared in France in 1954 under the pen name Pauline Réage. Only in 1994, forty years later, did the French writer Anne Desclos confirm she was the author.

Is it a true story?

No. It is a novel, a work of fiction.

Is it a guide to BDSM?

No, it is fiction, and it explores power and submission in ways that go beyond real-life consent. For real-world play, start with our BDSM and consent guides.

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