BOOKS

Object Of His Desire

How a Denver writer’s obsession with one of literature’s most infamous books led him down a rabbit hole of depravity, curses, and Ponzi schemes.

Some claim that a hex surrounds the Marquis de Sade’s unfinished erotic novel The 120 Days of Sodom. “Throughout history,” says Denver author Joel Warner, “the people who ended up taking the [original] scroll or tried to take the scroll have had some really horrible stuff happen to them,” including early deaths, lost fortunes, and legal troubles. So if something bad befalls Warner, you’ll know what to blame.

While Warner didn’t attempt to make the vulgar yet influential work his own, he certainly became obsessed with the scroll—and the tales that surround it—while researching his latest book, The Curse of the Marquis de Sade. Out on February 21, The Curse weaves together three stories. First is the history of the Marquis, including how the French nobleman penned the work in 1785 while jailed in Paris’ Bastille prison. Then there’s the book’s centurieslong journey across Europe as book collectors, sexologists, and others sought to possess it. Finally, there’s the scroll’s role in France’s largest alleged Ponzi scheme, in which manuscript dealer Gérard Lhéritier is said to have swindled around 18,000 people out of millions of euros in the early 2010s by persuading them to invest in rare manuscripts with the promise of spectacular returns.

Warner first heard about the scroll’s latest scandal from two friends who tried to visit Lhéritier’s Museum of Letters and Manuscripts only to find it closed while investigators removed boxes of evidence from the now-defunct Paris gallery. When they asked a cop what was happening, the policeman said it was related to “the Bernie Madoff of France.” Warner couldn’t shake the scene from his head, and as he dug deeper into 120 Days’ sordid past, a common theme emerged: how people become defined by the things they covet.

Warner admits he’s not exempt from that truism—only his fixations take a different form. “I’m gonna paraphrase my favorite writer, Susan Orlean: I don’t really have obsessions, so I get obsessed with other people’s obsessions,” he says. There were plenty of hurdles that tested Warner’s resolve during the eight years he worked on the story, from losing his first agent because she didn’t believe the book would sell to canceling his final reporting trip to Europe due to COVID-19. “It was like being dead in the water,” he says of the latter. Luckily, he was able to find documents through other means, including using Google Translate to convince an employee at a German sex research archive to send him digitized versions of important letters. If all goes well, his good fortune will continue. “Hopefully, I won’t run afoul of the curse,” Warner says, “but who knows?”

—NICHOLAS HUNT

10 ways to experience the Breckenridge Distillery

1 DINNER AT BRECKENRIDGE

DISTILLERY RESTAURANT

Executive Chef Robbie Reyes brings sophistication with playfulness to the BDR menu. BDR offers a contemporary steakhouse atmosphere with an upscale mountain dining experience. Their family-style menu features a 45-ounce Wet Aged Tomahawk Ribeye, Bourbon Butter Poached Maine Lobster Tail, or a Community of Pumpkins dish to name a few. Reservations recommended. Dinner service Wednesday–Sunday starting at 2–9 p.m. *Restaurant is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Open Wednesday–Sunday from 2–9 p.m.

2 SUNDAY DISTILLERY TOURS

Every Sunday, guests are taken on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Breckenridge Distillery’s production facility. This abbreviated tour starts by tasting their awardwinning Breckenridge Vodka and Breckenridge Gin in their original production facility. Their expert guides will take guests on a one-hour tour and finish up the experience with a tasting of their Breckenridge Bourbon Whiskey. Tours include a signature Glen Carin tasting glass. Reservations only.

3 AFTER HOURS TOURS

Breckenridge Distillery offers guests a VIP experience during their After Hours Tours. Use your senses to experience the inner workings of how these hand-crafted spirits go from grain to bottle while learning about the history of whiskey and how the distillery was founded. Guests also can try spirits that have yet to be released to the public. Tours begin at 6:15 p.m. by reservation only.

4 COCKTAILS

If it’s edible, chances are Liquid Chef Billie Keithley has made a cocktail out of it. And that’s one of the reasons she loves working for the Distillery so much. Keithley and Bar Manager Griffin Bovich are creating schnapps, shrubs, syrups and juices, among other fresh products, for every specialty cocktail. Popular menu staples include the Obi Wan Old Fashioned, made with Breckenridge Port Cask Whiskey.

5 THE FOUNDER’S LAB

Nerd out with our distillers and become a master blender for a few magical hour. Guests will be taught to break down aggregate flavors while building a whiskey blend complete with mouth feel and finish. You will hand bottle your creation and complete the experience with a customized label. If you just want to taste our spirits, book a High-end Flight where you can taste through some of the Distillery’s most sought-after spirits and other spirits that have not yet been released to the public (when available). Now open, reservations required.

6 HAPPY HOUR AT

BRECKENRIDGE DISTILLERY

After getting your turns in on the mountain, head to the Breckenridge Distillery for a newly extended Happy Hour available as soon as the restaurant opens. Enjoy crafted cocktail deals, small bites, and more! Make a Reservation. Happy Hour is served Wednesday–Sunday, 2– 5 p.m. *Restaurant is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

7 TASTINGS

The Breckenridge Distillery offers one of the most highly awarded craft bourbons on the market and you can try it for free. Guests are offered two complimentary samples from a limited menu and have the option to upgrade their tasting to try Breckenridge Distillery’s high-end spirits high-end spirits. Tastings are available at the Main Street Tasting Room or the Breckenridge Distillery on Airport Road. First come, first serve basis starting daily at 11 a.m.

8 PRIVATE DINNERS IN

THE FOUNDER’S LAB

Dine in one of Breckenridge’s most intimate spaces, the Distillery’s Founder’s Lab. Parties of up to 30 people can reserve the private room featuring old barn wood and aging barrels, all while seated next to the Distillery’s production area. Book a reservation by emailing events@ breckenridgedistillery.com or fill out an inquiry on our website.

9 MAIN STREET TASTING ROOM IN

DOWNTOWN BRECKENRIDGE

In the heart of downtown Breckenridge, get a taste of not only the Distillery’s spirits but also a taste of what the Breckenridge Distillery is all about. Enjoy complimentary tastings, upgraded tastings, Cask Finished Whiskey flights and, coming soon, a 15-year Barrel-aged Manhattan. Visit the Main Street Tasting Room at 137 S. Main St. in the Blue River Plaza. Open daily at 11 a.m.

10 SHOP LOCAL RETAILERS

If you can’t make it to Breckenridge, experience and enjoy Breckenridge Distillery’s award-winning spirits from home. Shop your local retailers or get home delivery. Mix up your favorite cocktails or share a glass neat with friends. Scan the QR code to learn more or get home delivery.