Gamiani, or Two Passionate Nights Author Alfred de Musset

Gamiani, or Two Passionate Nights (1833) is a novel by Alfred de Musset. Published anonymously to widespread controversy and commercial success, de Musset’s lesbian erotic novel was inspired by his own heated affair with George Sand, a French novelist who pursued relationships with men and women throughout her life. Attending a dance at the opulent home of the Countess Gamiani, Alcide hears a rumor about his hostess’ sexual appetites. Intrigued, he remains behind after the guests have left, hoping to join her for a romantic tryst: “I made up my mind to watch her that night, to conceal myself somewhere in her bedroom. The glass door of her dressing room faced the bed. I knew that. I realised at once the advantage of that spot; and hiding between dresses hung up, so that I could see unseen, I resolved to patiently await the orgy.” Finding her in bed with a young woman named Fanny, Alcide soon makes his presence known. Between scenes of intense passion, the women share stories of sexual escapades between men, women, priests, nuns, and animals. Gamiani, or Two Passionate Nights is a masterpiece of erotic fiction that remains an object of interest to scholars of queer representation in the history of art. This edition of Alfred de Musset’s Gamiani, or Two Passionate Nights is a classic work of erotic literature reimagined for modern readers.