This collection from Pierre Louÿs has 9 stories that focus on mostly classical themes, expanding on mythology such as Leda, Ariadne, and Danae, and one longer story that reminded me of ‘Of Human Bondage’ in its tortured, masochistic, doomed love. This edition is a 2002 reprint of a 1930 book with nice art deco inspired illustrations by Siegel, and I liked the classical stories, retold with just a few light touches of eroticism. ‘Woman and Puppet’, the longer story, was less enjoyable, because it’s depressingly predictable. 3.5 stars for Part I, 3 stars for Part II.

Quotes:
On passionate kissing:
“She stood with her body pressed against mine, abandoning herself and, at the same time, stiffening. Our heads, joined at the mouth, merged in the shadow, our nostrils panting, our eyes closed. Never did I understand so clearly as in the vertigo, the frenzy, the half-unconscious state in which I found myself, all that is really meant by the ‘intoxication of the kiss.’ I no longer knew who we were, nor how we had come there, nor what would befall us. The present was of such fiery intensity that in it were melted the past and the future. Her lips moved under mine, she burned in my arms, and her small stomach, through her skirt, pressed me in a shameless and fervent caress.”

On sadness:
“Sorrow is always the same thing: a bygone joy which cannot be tasted again…” ( )