Anthology of 18th-Century Immoral Tales Published by Robert Laffont

'Contes immoraux du 18e siècle', an anthology of libertine short stories edited by Nicolas Veysman and featuring a preface by Michel Delon, has been released by Éditions Robert Laffont. This collection charts the development of the immoral tale—a term introduced by the prince de Ligne in 1801—beginning with risqué poetry during the reign of Louis XIV, progressing to scandalous fairy tales of the Regency, and culminating in realistic narratives that challenge Enlightenment ideals around 1770. Delon highlights the distinction between immoral tales, fairy tales, and moral tales, noting their ironic commentary on societal harmony. The anthology features contributions from Grécourt, Piron, Bret, and others. Veysman contends that these tales were pivotal in revitalizing literary forms, influencing modern first-person literature. The preface and introduction delve into the use of subtle language to examine themes of desire, transgression, and the 'perverse complicity' between genders, illustrated by Sylvain Maréchal's tale of a fairy who randomly redistributes confiscated phalluses, addressing anatomical imbalance.