Elinor Glyn

Elinor Glyn (October 17, 1864 - September 23, 1943), born Nellie Sutherland in Jersey, was the author of It, Three Weeks, Beyond the Rocks, and other novels in a similarly softcore vein. Glyn was also the sister of Titanic survivor and fashion designer Lady Lucy Duff Gordon.

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Although her writing would not be considered scandalous by 21st century standards, she pioneered mass-market women's erotic fiction. She coined the use of It as a euphemism for sexuality, or sex appeal.

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On the back of the popularity and notoriety of her books, she moved to Hollywood where she promoted the concept of the vamp, helping to make a star of actress Clara Bow (the It girl).

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A scriptwriter for the early movie industry, she also had a brief career as one of the earliest female directors.

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She is the subject of the doggerel:

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Would you sin

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With Elinor Glyn

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On a tiger skin

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Or perhaps you'd prefer

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To err with her

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On some other fur?

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which was inspired by a scene from Three Weeks http://www.gutenberg.net/etext/8899.

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October 17: October 17 is the 290th (in leap years the 291st) day of the year according to the Gregorian calendar. There are 75 days remaining....

1864: 1864 was a leap year starting on Friday (see link for calendar)....

September 23: September 23 is the 266th day of the year (267th in leap years). There are 99 days remaining. Also an important date in pagan history celebrating autumn....

Elinor Glyn related Images and Photos (experimental)

Elinor and Robert Sit Under a Tree