France Pays EUR 4.5 Million for Original Manuscript of Erotic Novel “The 120 Days of Sodom” by Marquis de Sade

France has obtained the original manuscript of “The 120 Days of Sodom” by Marquis de Sade for EUR 4.5 million, thereby preserving this work, which is considered a national treasure.

The erotic masterpiece from the 18th century has had a turbulent history throughout the centuries, but its future is safe now that a private donor provided the money, the French Ministry of Culture announced.

In December 2017, the Ministry of Culture stopped the sale of the manuscript at an auction, declaring the work a national treasure and banning its exiting France, Hina reports.

The ministry has now paid EUR 4.5 million to keep it in the country.

Ministry of Culture of France

Marquis de Sade

The 120 Days of Sodom