The Encyclopedia of Erotic Literature, in Three Volumes: Index Librorum Prohibitorum: Being Notes Bio= Biblio= Icono= graphical and Critical, on Curious and Uncommon Books; Centuria Librorum Absconditorum: Being Notes Bio= Biblio= Icono= graphical and Cr…

Includes publisher's slipcase. Three volume set. "Far from deprecating criticism, or spurning the opinion of friends, I court, on the contrary, their judgment, and solicit their corrections. My objects are - truth, the extension of bibliographical studies, and the accurate description of the works noticed in the following pages. To strangers, into whose hands this book may fall, I would say, in extenuation of my numerous shortcomings, that I am not an author by profession; but being actively engaged in pursuits of an entirely different nature, have sought recreation in compiling this work during my few leisure hours. "Dulce est desipere in loco." Whatever reception this compilation may meet with at the hands of the few bibliophiles and students for whom it is intended, I may say that the pleasure I have experienced in making it has already amply rewarded me for my labour. "The struggling for knowledge (aptly observes the Marquis of Halifax) hath a pleasure in it like that of wrestling with a fine woman." (from the Preface) Henry Spencer Ashbee was a part of a group of English gentlemen who discussed sexual matters freely, disregarding the prevailing Victorian mores. He had an extensive collection of literary erotica, which he bequeathed to the British Museum in his will. He is most famous for his substantial three-volume bibliography of erotic literature published under the pseudonym of Pisanus Fraxi. The first volume, Index Librorum Prohibitorum (A Catalog of Books which should be Prohibited), is subtitled Being Notes Bio- Biblio- Icono- graphical and Critical, on Curious and Uncommon Books, and was privately printed in 1877. The second volume is Centuria Librorum Absconditorum (A Hundred Books that should be Hidden), privately printed in 1879. The third volume is Catena Librorum Tacendorum (Further Books which should not be Mentioned), privately printed in 1885. The Index was organized alphabetically by title, and the Centuria and Catena by subject; the works listed include plot summaries and liberal quotations."