Auletris

Auletris is a collection of erotic short stories written by Anaïs Nin and published posthumously in 2016. The book contains previously unpublished works that were discovered among Nin's papers after her death. The collection features two main pieces: "Life in Provincetown" and "Marcel." The latter story appears here in its complete form, after having been heavily edited in Nin's earlier collection Delta of Venus (1977). Nin wrote these stories in the 1940s when she composed erotica for a private collector. Her writing explores sexuality, desire, and human relationships with a focus on psychological elements and complex character dynamics. These stories represent another facet of Nin's literary legacy, expanding our understanding of her work as an early pioneer of female-authored erotica in the twentieth century.

Readers found Auletris more sexually graphic and less nuanced than Nin's other erotic works, with material written for a private collector rather than publication. The slim volume provides insights into Nin's early erotic writing development. Positive reviews note the raw sensuality and descriptive prose style typical of Nin, with several readers appreciating the historical context of these previously unpublished works written in the 1940s. Reviewers highlight specific passages for their lush imagery. Common criticisms mention repetitive scenarios, lack of character development, and content that seems rushed or commissioned rather than artistically motivated. Multiple readers describe it as "porn without plot." Average ratings: Goodreads: 3.4/5 (121 ratings) Amazon: 3.8/5 (17 ratings) "Less literary merit than Delta of Venus but fascinating as an archival discovery" - Goodreads reviewer "More explicit than her other works, with less of the psychological complexity" - Amazon reviewer

Delta of Venus by Anaïs Nin Written by the same author in a similar period, this collection of erotic stories shares the psychological depth and focus on female sexuality found in Auletris.

Story of O by Pauline Réage The narrative explores themes of submission and desire through a female perspective, presenting complex psychological portraits within erotic scenarios.

Little Birds by Anaïs Nin This companion collection to Delta of Venus continues Nin's exploration of sexuality and human relationships through interconnected erotic tales.

The Sexual Life of Catherine M. by Catherine Millet This memoir presents raw accounts of sexuality and desire from a female perspective, incorporating philosophical and psychological elements.

Venus in Furs by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch The book examines psychological aspects of desire and power dynamics through a narrative that combines eroticism with character study.

🔶 Prior to writing erotica, Nin was an established literary figure known for her extensive personal diaries spanning more than 60 years, beginning when she was just 11 years old. 🔶 During the 1940s, Nin wrote these erotic stories for a private collector who paid her $1 per page - this was a vital source of income that helped support her and fellow writers like Henry Miller. 🔶 The title "Auletris" comes from the ancient Greek word for a female flute player, a figure often associated with entertainment and seduction in classical literature. 🔶 Many of the stories in Auletris were discovered in a locked case at UCLA's special collections library, where they remained hidden for decades after Nin's death in 1977. 🔶 While writing these stories, Nin maintained detailed correspondence with Henry Miller and others about the creative process of crafting erotic literature, viewing it as a serious artistic endeavor rather than mere commercial work.