Description: Very Good: Has been read but is in very good condition. Minor wear on cover. No tears, no writing, no highlighting, no missing pages. Actual book is pictured. This book is in Italian. "Josefine Mutzenbacher" by Felix Salten, originally published in 1906 and often republished with annotations and illustrations such as in the 1993 edition, is a controversial and provocative novel set in the Viennese fin de siècle. The book is presented as the fictional autobiography of an unrepentant Viennese prostitute who recounts in graphic detail her lascivious escapades from a young age. Salten, better known for his wholesome tale of Bambi, showcases a radical departure in tone and content with this work, which has been both reviled and revered in literary circles. The narrative of Josefine Mutzenbacher is explicit and forthright, exploring the seedy underbelly of Viennese society through the eyes of its titular character. Josefine describes her experiences with unabashed honesty and a certain wry humor, delving into her numerous sexual encounters from childhood into her adult years as a prostitute. The book provides a vivid portrayal of the sexual mores and the often hypocritical societal norms of the time. Josefine’s story is not just a catalog of sexual exploits, but also a sharp critique of the Viennese bourgeoisie, whose outward respectability and inner decadence are laid bare. Salten uses Josefine's narrative to expose the exploitation and abuse under the veneer of civility in early 20th-century Vienna. Her encounters often reflect broader social and economic pressures, with themes of power, exploitation, and the commodification of sex continually emerging. The prose is unflinchingly direct and was considered pornographic by many standards of the time. The detailed and unapologetic content has led to the book’s frequent censorship and it being banned on numerous occasions, although it also has been defended for its literary merits and forthright depiction of a woman's sexual agency. "Josefine Mutzenbacher" is a complex text that provides a window into the dynamics of sexuality and society, revealing the double standards and moral ambiguities of the Austrian capital. Its unvarnished narrative style and the controversial subject matter make it a challenging yet intriguing read that continues to provoke debate regarding issues of sexuality, exploitation, and narrative authority. Salten’s work invites readers to question not just the moral positions of its characters but the societal norms that define and confine human sexual behavior. The novel’s enduring popularity and continued controversy suggest that it taps into fundamental questions about purity, corruption, and the human condition.
Price: 59.99 USD
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
End Time: 2024-12-10T21:23:12.000Z
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Book Series: Felix
Publication Year: 1993
Language: Italian
Book Title: Josefine Mutzenbacher
Author: Felix Salten
