There are few things as timeless as jealousy, revenge and sexual indiscretion. If you doubt this, please go watch Cruel Intentions and explain how it could have been a hit movie in 1999, more than 200 years after the book that inspired it was first written. And, sans the teenage heartthrobs, it's a pretty close remake.

The exchange of letters between the naught Vicomte de Valmont, the pious Presidente de Tourvel and the delightfully vicious Marquise de Merteuil, who was "born to revenge my sex and master yours" are absolutely delicious. Classic literature should never feel so scandalous.