"Aline et Valcour, ou Le Roman Philosophique. Tome 1" by marquis de Sade is an epistolary novel written between 1786-1789 while the author was imprisoned in the Bastille. The story follows the virtuous love between Aline and Valcour, opposed by Aline's libertine father. Embedded within their correspondence are adventure tales spanning southern Europe and Africa, contrasting two opposing kingdoms: the brutal, cannibalistic Butua and the utopian island paradise of Tamoé, ruled by the philosopher-king Zamé.