The mystified magistrate and other tales

the long version

"This volume contains the title novella, "The Mystified Magistrate," in which Sade uses his pen to avenge all the wrongs visited upon him throughout his tumultuous life by the French judicial system, especially the court of Aix in his native Provence; two full-length tales, "Augustine de Villeblanche" and "Emilie de Tourville"; and a selected number of Sade's tales and short stories. Many of Sade's favorite themes and pet peeves are present here: the hypocrisy and stupidity of blind justice and those who serve her, the wily duplicity and dishonesty of the clergy on all levels, the total corruption of society, jealousy, revenge, and the fairest way to settle unfair accounts. Yet throughout, these tales are infused with a light touch and mordant wit, "well within the boundaries of modesty and decency," as Sade himself noted, albeit "sometimes a trifle bawdy."" "These tales constitute a portion of his "regular writings"--As opposed to his knowingly clandestine writings - to which Sade attached a special importance. For if he was writing not to be read in his scandalous works, here he was hoping to enhance his reputation as a storyteller of wit and charm."--Jacket.