Henry Spencer Ashbee Books

Henry Spencer Ashbee was a passionate bibliographer and book collector, notorious for his extensive, clandestine three-volume bibliography of erotic literature. He moved within a loose intellectual circle of Victorian gentlemen who freely discussed sexual matters, a stark contrast to the era's prevailing mores. His collection, which formed the foundation of the British Museum's notable holdings, encompassed thousands of volumes in multiple languages, continuing to provoke and fascinate scholars and literature enthusiasts alike.