Teleny, or the Reverse of the Medal

Set against the backdrop of Victorian society, the novel explores the intense and forbidden love between Camille and Teleny, highlighting the harsh realities and social repercussions of their relationship. It serves as a critique of the era's double moral standards, contrasting the repressive ideals of contemporary love poetry. First published in 1893, it gained recognition from Leonard Smithers as a significant and expertly crafted erotic romance, marking it as a pivotal work in its genre.