First published in 1874 Les Diaboliques caused an uproar and all the copies were seized on the orders of the Ministry of Justice as the book was a danger to public morality. Scandal made the book an immediate success. One hundred and thirty years later it is now firmly established as a classic and studied in French schools. "The book is a celebration of the seven deadly vices and shows no counterbalancing interest in the seven cardinal virtues. Even more, it is a celebration of pride, the pride of the ancient aristocracy of evil. Those who have the style to carry off their vices have also the right to do so." Robert Irwin
First published in 1874 Les Diaboliques caused an uproar and all the copies were seized on the orders of the Ministry of Justice as the book was a danger to public morality. Scandal made the book an immediate success. One hundred and thirty years later it is now firmly established as a classic and studied in French schools. "The book is a celebration of the seven deadly vices and shows no counterbalancing interest in the seven cardinal virtues. Even more, it is a celebration of pride, the pride of the ancient aristocracy of evil. Those who have the style to carry off their vices have also the right to do so." Robert Irwin