The Ruby

I've just encountered this, in the form of a Volume 2 from New English Library (1995). It is certainly in the spirit of 'The Pearl' and 'The Oyster', and it contains seven lengthy erotic stories in a contemporary Victorian style (as far as I can tell). I confess I hadn't encountered this work before. Its front pages go to great lengths to construct a provenance, via the British Library, but caution is always necessary in these matters.

Any views?

Haven't heard of "the Ruby" - sounds promising. But a quick look at Google brings up a marvelous display of NEL covers:
https://www.google.ca/search?q=New+English+Library&client=firefox-a&hs=o...

(As always with Google, results may vary ...)

> 2

Nice! (Spotted a few for my wish list.)

Superb list! But definitely not complete, and I couldn't find the Ruby, Vol.1 OR Vol.2! Maybe I didn't scan hard enough, but then I don't remember seeing any Ray Gordon, most of whose books have appeared in NEL.

A search of AbeBooks.com today brought up Vol 3 ... the cheapest was from a goodwill thrift shop (catalogued by the subtitle - "Erotic Memoirs Volume 3") and was still $26 (plus $13 shipping) for an "acceptable" copy. Another bookseller has a VG copy which will run you $100.
Ouch.