Robert Desmond was among the most prolific authors for Girodias' Travellers Companion series, writing eight books in all, the last in 1962. Little is known about him today, biographies we have about Girodias and others barely mention the man, only remarking how upset Mr. Donleavy was to be published alongside him. This title, Professional Charmer, about a gigolo of course, is one of Desmond's most-reprinted works.

Rarest of the rare. This book, first published in '57 as no. 45 in the Traveller's Companion series, is among the toughest works to find. (No. 44 was a little something called The Story of O, a title that initiated yet another French government crackdown on Olympia, perhaps explaining Rainbow's scarcity.) Whatever, scored a copy. Seeds of the Rainbow is the tale of Sid, a man as gifted in the priapic arts as he is lacking in physical beauty. Not without his charms, he still finds himself b...

One of at least three Olympia Press titles to chronicle the life in publishing, Iniquity presents Lydia Steele, a teenage girl with a well-developed chest and a passion for writing erotic tales. Of course, they didn't let her in for that second talent. Desmond, who worked with Maurice for years, may be drawing on his fellow Olympians here. As you'd expect, a Frog-Prince of sorts plays a key role.

First title by Robert Desmond, Olympia's second-most mysterious author after "Ataullah Mardaan." The Sweetest Fruit, published in 1951, is a contrast between two men, arrogant Ben and humble, clergyman David. The book details, in graphic detail, just how these two gentlemen go about things with their women and their mistresses. David loves Connie despite being afraid of her, Connie loves Ben, despite how he treats her, David finds solace in the chaste, virginal, Dorothy, Dorothy at the end...

Chronicling the lives of persons in and around Europe and the Netherlands for a period of 30-odd years, Without Violence by Olympia stalwart Desmond offers changes in attitudes concerning politics, class, money, women... and sexuality, with a healthy emphasis on that last. Interesting attempt at longitudinal study by Desmond, with a fascinating end showing how new generations can learn from old....