A portrait of the Marquis de Sade (1740-1814), whose name is synonomous with brutal perversion and libidinous cruelty. This work reconstructs the adventures of Donatien Alphonse Francois de Sade, whose scandalous sexual exploits led to his imprisonment. Born into a powerful and notable family Sade was destined to the life of a provencal nobleman, but his sexual life/imagination dominated his life. As a young man he pursued actresses and first came to the attention of police for his affair with Beauvoisin, a notable courtesan. At age 23 he married, but within 4 months was arrested again for molesting prostitutes. Around 4 years later he was imprisoned, having been brought back to Italy by his mother-in-law to face the law. In all he spent 26 years in prison where he wrote his novels and letters. His wife remained extraordinary loyal.