Rare and precious editions in gallant and erotic literature, libertine works, risqué illustrations

New edition of these 2 "vaudevilles" which first appeared in London in 1781, then published by Cazin, in the characteristic reduced 18mo format. 18 figures, including 2 frontispieces by Borel, but unsigned. Text entirely engraved within borders, with tailpieces. 20 pages of music, 8 for the temptation, 12 for Loth.
Late 19th-century binding in full glazed blonde calf applied directly over the original wrappers. Spine with raised bands richly decorated. 2 black calf title-labels, date at foot on black calf. Triple fillet border on boards. Wide decorative interior border. Paper untrimmed, with full margins.
The engravings illustrate the song texts on the facing pages. 5 libertine figures accompanied by equally libertine text: "The old fisherman, in his fury to satisfy his desire, kissed her, pressed her, caressed her, then threw her down on an old bed..."

Rare first edition of this sapphic pornographic novel written under a pseudonym and for which no deluxe copies were printed, contrary to what is announced in the justification page.
Fine copy despite light foxing of no consequence on the first cover and on the first endpaper.

Scroll unrolling horizontally with a title leaf of 3 ideograms (Spring Dream) and 11 colored prints mounted on silk (actually a single print consisting of 11 scenes). When fully unrolled, the ensemble reaches 250cm. The scroll is held closed by a string, the paper is rolled around a piece of wood.
The scroll, made of relatively thick paper is covered with fine silk on the side where the engraving is mounted. The 11 scenes consist of a single long printing on 180 cm, one can perceive by the presence of the lower margin that these 11 scenes were thus printed several times on a large sheet, which were then cut out. This type of printing required a large press. Each scene measures approximately 16x20cm.
Excellent condition. One crease on one of the prints.
It is quite difficult to date this type of anonymous production with exactitude, which can be situated from the end of the 19th century until the 1930s, or even beyond. The 11 scenes depict amorous frolics and sexual practices with more diversity than in Japanese erotic prints (shunga). The scenes take place outdoors, among luxuriant nature or in richly furnished interiors. Painters had specialized in this type of paintings and it is not uncommon to find certain prints mixed with other collections.

First edition published in a small number of copies on grand vélin d'Arches, ours unnumbered.
Work illustrated with 12 original illustrations attributed to André Collot.
Our copy is complete with the duplicate suite in blue of the 12 illustrations.
Some rubbing to the slipcase.
Handsome copy.

First edition, alternately illustrated by Gorguet and Fau with initial letters and tailpieces in black, and 10 superb full-page compositions in black with colored and gilt borders. One of 30 copies on Japan paper, the only deluxe edition, No. 12 numbered and signed by Monnier. Original wrappers preserved under an orange tissue sheet (rarely present).
Contemporary full bordeaux morocco binding. Smooth spine decorated with 4 small fleurons and blind and gilt fillets. Wide decorative border frame on boards. Interior frieze. Raw silk endpapers. Light rubbing at head and to 2 corners.
Handsome copy, uncut, full-margined, with fresh paper.
Collection of 10 ribald tales, some vaudevillesque, others set in the Orient. The cover bears the title upside down written in mirror image.

6 and 9 of Clubs
[France c. 1860] | 5.5 x 8.6 cm
In the light, the transparent cards reveal humorous erotic scenes:
– 6 of Clubs: a lapping dog pleasures a lady stretched out with her dresses lifted up.
– 9 of Clubs: foreplay of a naked couple sitting on the edge of a bed.

Secret erotic playing cards - Three of Clubs
[France] s.d(circa 1860), 5.5 x 8.6 cm, one playing card
Secret erotic playing card, unknown manufacturer, produced in France around the 1860s. Lithograph coloured by stencil, white verso.
In the light, the transparent card reveals an erotic scene: a chimney sweep in a hat and clogs, hard like a stag, assaults a lady sitting on a chair, dressed hitched up, who tries to withstand him.
A curiosity!

First edition.
Contemporary half blonde sheep with corners. Smooth spine decorated with 5 fleurons. Red morocco title label. Lower joint cracked at foot. Restorations at head and foot. 3 wormholes on upper cover.
Libertine novel marking a turning point in the writing of this type of novel, the hero is no longer a nobleman possessing all the attributes of fortune and good birth, but an impoverished noble, forced to find a profession to provide for his needs. This social change illustrates the shift in the readership of the libertine novel evolving towards the bourgeoisie. The work is described in the "Bibliographie du genre romanesque français" (A. Martin). A younger son is sent to his uncle in a monastery to complete his education. This project will naturally be a failure and the hero will easily find a path in libertinage, the coveting of women and deception. The work had some success and is found in most inventories of libraries of the period.

Disguised erotic playing cards – Four aces
[France ca 1860] | 5.5 x 8.6 cm | 4 playing cards
Disguised erotic playing cards, maker unknown, produced in France circa 1860. Lithographs colored with stencil, versos blank.
In the light, the transparent cards reveal humorous erotic scenes:
- Ace of Spades: an intellectual, with a beard and glasses, sharpens the tip of his virile member on a grindstone driven by a young, naked woman while another, at the same stone, brandishes a pair of scissors.
- Ace of Hearts: a clothed man flees, straddling his monstrous member, before two laughing, exhibitionist and flatulist young ladies.
- Ace of Diamonds: a good nun, dressed only in a rosary around her hips, tows a monk's excessive member, who is also undressed, with the help of a cart.
- Ace of Clubs: a Chinese scene, a Chinese man is flattered by two ladies: one uses bellows on his behind while the other spoils him by tickling his attributes with the help of a long feather.
A real curio!

First edition of this comic and risqué pamphlet illustrated with one plate and a small tailpiece.
Pink cover illustrated with a reproduction of the Abduction of Psyche.
Amusing anonymous publication compiling the alleged letters from Don Juan to his mistresses.

First edition of this illustrated pamphlet with three drawings including one plate.
Illustrated pink cover.

This edition is a modified impression of the first illustrated edition of 1685. The illustration consists of 2 frontispieces and 58 half-page vignettes drawn by Romeyn de Hooghe (except the second frontispiece which is not found in the 1685 edition and the figures of the 4 last tales). "The frontispiece of the first volume is that of 1685 reversed, without signature. The date and the bookseller's name have been removed. The frontispiece of the 2nd vol. is a new composition without signature. The vignettes are those of 1685, reversed and engraved with a certain fineness". Hédé-Haüy, p. 13. This is therefore not a reissue, the figures having been newly engraved and reversed. This particularity forms the entire interest of this new edition, different from the first. Moreover the 4 last tales have large anonymous engravings and a frontispiece has been added." - Brunet III, 759 "This edition contains in addition to that of 1685, four tales printed in Paris in Maucroix's collection." This edition was made in Paris, Desbordes' address merely reproduces the publisher of the first illustrated edition of 1685.
Contemporary full bronze olive green morocco binding. Decorated spine with raised bands. Red morocco title label. Triple gilt fillet frame on boards. Gilt edges. Interior gilt fillet. Paper uniformly yellowed.
Very fine copy, very rare in contemporary green morocco.
Although Cohen stipulates that many collectors join this edition to the fine illustrated books of the 18th century, one should note however that the vivid art of Romain de Hooghe, which magnifies the vignette, is entirely representative of his century and in no way joins the aesthetic canons of the following century; this is precisely what gives it all its value.

First edition, rare. An allegorical frontispiece signed Clément. Printed on laid paper.
Contemporary binding in full glazed long-grain red morocco in the sober manner of Bozérian. Smooth spine decorated with 7 fillets, gilt title and date. Double blind fillet border on boards with small angular tools. Roll on edges and turn-ins. All edges gilt. Superb copy, very fine, with particularly fresh paper.
F. M. Caye bookplate.
Surgeon and man of letters, Petit-Radel is responsible for several books on eroticism, notably Érotopsie, ou coup d'œil sur la poésie érotique. A publisher's preface introduces the author. Latin poetry inspired by Latin authors, of a gentle and sentimental eroticism.

Illustrated edition with 16 original watercolors by Rojan, one of 1500 numbered copies on Navarre laid paper, the only issue after 16 Holland.
Spine very slightly faded without gravity, handsome copy.

First edition for which it was not drawn from great papers.
Grisélidis Real, writer, painter and prostitute, is a great romantic figure of the late twentieth century. A lover, militant, fighter and poet, she upset the customs of Geneva society. She is now buried in the Cemetery of the Kings in Geneva between Jean Calvin and Jorge Luis Borgès.
Nice copy.
Rare autograph dedication signed Grisélidis Réal: "For Marie Chatelain, in memory of a friend I loved as a sister, Cécile Buhler, so artist, so alive and so beautiful, always present in our hearts Grisiledis Real."

New edition, considerably expanded with several volumes. These 5 volumes gather the poetry in verse and prose of the Countess of Suze and Pellisson, but also numerous pieces falsely attributed to them, such as those by Régnier des Marais, pieces by Mademoiselle de Scudery, the journey by Bachaumont and La Chappelle, the poetry of the Chevalier d'Aceilly, Les Visionnaires, pieces by Jean Desmarets, but also La princesse de Montpensier by the princess of Clèves, declared anonymous, letters, several short novels.
Contemporary full glazed blonde calf binding. Smooth spine decorated with 4 sun ornaments with scattered stars. Red morocco title label. Blonde calf volume label. Decorative border on boards. Very fine copy, in an elegant and refined binding.
Rich anthology of 17th-century gallant literature. Henriette de Coligny de La Suze was at the center of a society dedicated to poetry and gallantry. Ninon de Lenclos, Christine of Sweden, Madeleine de Scudéry were her friends. She wrote, in the midst of a life of dissipation and loose morals, during which she had a reputation for beauty, wit and talent. It is thought she had several collaborators, such as Segrais, Ménage or Subligny. She was particularly remarkable in writing her elegies which give her a choice place in 17th-century poetry. Paul Pellisson moved in the circle of the Countess of Suze and frequented the same people, secretary to Nicolas Fouquet and historiographer to the king, he was connected with the entire literary world of this period (Bussy-Rabutin, Madame de Sévigné, Mademoiselle de Scudéry...)

New edition.
Contemporary binding in full green morocco with crosshatch pattern, smooth spine decorated with three fleurons, roulettes and fillets, double fillet frame on covers, edges gilt, interior frieze. Spine sunned and faded, two wormholes along the upper joint of volume 2. Light rubbing to corners.
Originally published in 1660 under the pseudonym of Aloisia Sigea by Nicolas Chorier and presented as a translation of a Spanish manuscript by Johannes Meursius, this erotic book took pleasure in deceiving censorship through its title page reproduced in this edition under the heading Elegantiae latini sermonis.
This parodic text composed of several conversations on the education of women and their aspirations had a profound influence on European erotic literature, it exposes the sexual education of a young girl. After a series of conversations, the work ends with various erotic fragments: Fragmenta aliquot erotica. One finds there various poems, remedies for libidinous women (letter from Antoine to Cleopatra)...
Superb copy, in a quality binding.

First edition, one of 50 numbered copies on Holland paper, only leading copies.
Some punctures on the margins of boards, nice interior state.
Our copy is very complete of the original engraving signed and justified by Pierre Cadiou that contains the copies on Holland paper.

New edition printed in 400 numbered copies on laid paper, the very rare first edition of 1612 was condemned and seized by a Parliamentary decree in April of the same year.
Half brown morocco binding with corners, spine with five raised bands set with gilt dotting and double gilt compartments richly decorated with gilt ornamental motifs, gilt date at foot, traces of rubbing on headcaps and some bands, frame of double gilt fillets on marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, corners slightly bumped, top edge gilt.
Rare work illustrated with 4 in-text figures.

New edition, after the first published in 1774. An unsigned allegorical frontispiece.
Contemporary full brown sheep binding, marbled. Smooth spine decorated with 4 compartmented fleurons. Garnet morocco title label. Triple fillet frame on boards. Handsome copy.
Autobiography of a courtesan. The first edition bore the subtitle "Like mother, like daughter". The story begins with that of a mother addicted to pleasures and collecting lovers, who will take her daughter to Paris to become a courtesan. The latter will take pleasure in her state, experiencing with delight the power that her beauty gives her. Claude de Villaret, before becoming a historian, published several licentious novels including L'anti-Pamela.

First edition, one of the numbered copies on laid paper, the only issue after 12 Japan copies.
Work illustrated with Art Deco vignettes in colors, within the text and hors-texte, by Marcel François.
Handsome copy despite minor sunning and tears at head and foot of spine.

New edition collated against the unique copy in the Imperial Library in Paris, one of 100 numbered copies on laid paper, the only edition after 2 copies on vellum.
Bradel binding in orange half cloth, smooth spine with gilt fillets, gilt date at foot, blue sheep title label with marginal lack, marbled paper boards, bookplate pasted at head of pastedown, original wrappers preserved, binding signed in blind by Petit.
Rare and fine copy.
Provenance: from the library of Paul Arnauldet, bibliophile and friend of Charles Baudelaire, with his bookplate pasted on pastedown: "Nunquam amicorum" (not even to friends).

Edition illustrated with 30 etchings and original initials by Maurice de Becque, one of 10 numbered copies on Imperial Japan paper containing a duplicate suite signed by Maurice de Becque.
Two slight tears at head and foot of spine, otherwise handsome copy.

First edition for which it was not drawn large papers.
Nice copy.
Signed autograph signed Colette Deblé colored pencils to Huguette and Marc (Le Bot) enriched with an original drawing of two balloons ready to fly and surrounding the names of the dedicatees.

First edition illustrated with 120 erotic Chinese ink drawings by Christian Degaine, one of 102 numbered copies on Centaure ivory paper, the only deluxe copies.
Handsome copy.
Our copy unfortunately lacks the original drawing under glass that accompanies all copies of the deluxe edition.

First edition, one of 70 copies on Hollande Van Gelder initialed by the author and artist and containing two states of the etchings.
Work illustrated with twelve original color etchings by the artist and twenty-three pencil drawings printed typographically by Edouard Chimot.
Full red and dark brown morocco binding, smooth spine depicting an infernal landscape inlaid with light brown, grey and dark blue morocco, boards illustrated with bronze flame motifs intertwining in inlay, bronze and gilt fillets emphasizing the separation between the red and brown morocco, gilt zigzag fillet at foot of first board, pastedowns framed with red and dark brown morocco, gilt and palladium fillets framing the pastedowns, pastedowns and endpapers lined with red moiré silk, top edge gilt, deckled edges, covers and spine preserved. Slipcase lined with paper and edged with red morocco. Near-contemporary binding signed A. Bianchi.
Paper of the slipcase detached in places.
Very handsome copy in a remarkable Art Deco-inspired decorative binding.

First edition containing 16 illustrations, one of one hundred and fifty copies on laid paper signed by the author.
Retaining its deckled edges.
Spine lightly sunned, boards marginally faded, marginal tears and stains.
Handsome copy as issued.

Edition largely original, one of 150 numbered copies on vergé, the only printing with 25 Japon.
Bradel binding in half morocco, covers preserved.
Ex-libris pasted on a pastedown.
Endpapers very slightly with small stains, otherwise very rare and nice copy.

First Edition printed, in two parts, on laid to 200 copies numbered and initialed by the author, ours a copy of the second tranche, only draw after 12 Japan.
Binding half morocco old rose corners, back with five nerves, golden tail date, piece of red morocco title, marble paper plates, guards and contreplats of handmade paper, covers (with angular restorations) preserved, corners slightly blunted, gilded head, binding signed Bernasconi.
The work is also embellished with an engraved portrait of Edmond Haraucourt pasted on a guard.
Nice and rare copy.
Precious autograph signed by Edmond Haraucourt: "A Félicien Champsaur in memory of the shaggy that did not gray again."
Our copy is enriched with an anonymous original watercolor (attributed to Georges Villa), on laid paper mounted on a tab, representing a kneeling woman gratifying a man standing a blowjob.

Les dessins de Hans Bellmer
First edition on ordinary paper.
Publisher's pink cloth, retaining dj and limp slipcase.
Autograph inscription signed by Hans Bellmer to monsieur Milla below the justification.
Abundantly illustrated.
Small transparent stains to lower cover of slipcase.
A good copy.

first edition entirely out of trade and printed with 25 numbered copies.
Signed autograph signed by Violette Leduc: "... in remembrance of Italy and Spain too." With my friendship, January 24, 1956. Violette Leduc, the name of the dedicatee was cleanly scratched.
Our copy is enriched with an engraved portrait of Violette Leduc embellished with a handwritten precision of Jacques Guérin.
Very rare work consisting of the facsimile of the autograph manuscript and presented under a shirt in floral and lace-patterned wallpaper, title tag sticking on the first flat.
Pleasant copy.

First edition published anonymously.
Half wine-colored shagreen binding with corners, spine slightly faded and lightened with five raised bands, gilt fillets framing the marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, one upper corner slightly bumped, top edge red.
Work illustrated with an engraved frontispiece.
Gift inscription in pen serving as bookplate on the title page.
Rare and handsome copy.

first edition.
Binding of the editor in full black cardboard, smooth back, full copy of his illustrated and silver jacket with very slight marginal tear without gravity.
Signed autograph of Irina Ionesco José Artur.
Book illustrated with photographs by Irina Ionesco.
Nice copy.

New edition with 8 illustrations printed separately from the text.
Spine and covers slightly and marginally sunned, small corner losses to covers, one fold at head of half-title page.

First edition, one of 700 numbered copies on handmade laid paper.
Work illustrated with a frontispiece and vignettes engraved on wood by Jules Léon Perrichon.
Two slight tears and a small stain of no consequence to spine.

New edition illustrated by J. Malteste.
Spine very slightly discolored, otherwise handsome copy.

Edition illustrated with 14 original lithographs by Maurice Eliot and printed in 200 numbered copies on vellum.
Our copy contains a triple state of lithographs.
Handsome copy.

The rare first edition, decorated with an aquatint frontispiece signed J. B. Huet and dated 1790. The work itself is undated; the date we have given comes from the frontispiece.
Bound in red half-cloth from the late 19th century. Gilt title. Rubbing to headcaps, corners and edges.
Satirical and humorous song composed of 8-verse stanzas drawing for the first part from Greco-Latin mythology and subsequently from the French Revolution, with stanzas about the French Guards, the high Clergy, the fugitives, Versailles... Each verse concluding with a humorous note involving the famous breeches.

First edition, one of 1500 copies on vélin de Rives paper teinté rose.
Spine warped, otherwise a good copy.

Edition illustrated with 5 original etchings of Jacques Herold, one of 100 numbered copies on Arches paper, one draw after 1 Japan 3 colored paper and 15 Roma Netherlands.
Handwritten signature of Jacques Herold to the justification of the draw.
Some slight marginal minor bites on some sheets, first guard partially shaded.

New edition printed in a small number of copies on vergé paper.
Spine cracked and with small lacks, a spot to lower cover, internally good.

Edition printed in 500 numbered copies on laid paper and strictly hors commerce as it was reserved for subscribers.
Complete text translated from Latin by Alcide Bonneau.
Handsome copy.

First edition, one of 700 numbered copies on laid paper.
Signed autograph inscription from Emile Henriot to Jérome and Jean Tharaud.
Work illustrated with a frontispiece and vignettes engraved on wood by Jules Léon Perrichon.
Light foxing affecting mainly the endpapers, two minor tears of no consequence to the spine.

First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Publisher's flexible sand-colored cardboard binding, smooth spine, with the illustrated dust jacket.
Iconography.

Original edition to 520 numbered copies printed on vellum Bellegarde.
Bel autograph dated and signed by the author "Roger Koller, all you need to know, without anger, the old problem paths and posed, still, these girls are told of joy, ... "
Illustrations and drawings of Serge Cézar and Jacques Leclerc.
Complete copy of his beautiful jacket illustrated by Jacques Leclerc.
Some minor foxing mainly affecting the guards.

First edition published under pseudonym, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Traces of adhesive tape residue on endpapers, ballpoint pen annotations at head of half-title page.
Rare.

Second edition, rare, augmented with the second volume which appears in first edition and illustrated with two unsigned title-frontispieces. The first volume alone had initially appeared in 1663. Note that the most important pieces had appeared under the name "Oeuvres meslées" in 1659.
Full wine-red morocco binding from early 20th century, elegant pastiche of a contemporary binding. Smooth spine decorated with gilt title and date. Triple fillet frame on covers. Gilt edges. Spine infinitesimally and uniformly lightened. Handsome copy.
Abbé Cotin is an essential figure of 17th-century literary salons, and Molière caricatured him as Abbé Trissotin in "Les femmes savantes". He invented a game for these same salons, the riddle poem of which "Les énigmes de ce temps, et les bouts rimez" are testimony. He was the fashionable poet of this era, eagerly supplying gallant and light poetry of which "L'uranie" dedicated to Marguerite de Rohan is a model. The works also contain "Les épigrammes", "Les amours du jour et de la nuit", various prose pieces, notes and other letters, all bearing the seal of gallantry, light libertinage and good-natured humor.

First edition, one of 1500 numbered copies on vélin de Rives teinté rose paper.
A tiny marginal ink spot to page 73, a good copy.

First edition published under the pseudonym France Norrit, one of 50 numbered copies on pur fil paper, ours being one of 10 hors commerce copies.
Rare and handsome copy of this erotic work whose authorship François Nourissier only acknowledged 8 years later.

New edition of the French translation established by Laurent Tailhade, one of the numbered copies on vellum.
Work decorated with original pochoir illustrations by Georges Lepape.

Edition illustrated with 19 original lithographs hors-texte by Henriette Bellair, one of 18 numbered copies on Rives vellum, deluxe copies.
Our copy is complete with its original signed drawing by Henriette Bellair, ours entitled "enlèvement d'Agathe et d'Antoinette".
Unfortunately, our copy is incomplete of the three states of the illustrations as stipulated in the justification page.
Handsome copy.

First edition of the introduction as well as the bibliographical essay by Guillaume Apollinaire, one of 500 numbered copies on Arches paper, this copy not justified, the only printing after 5 copies on Japan.
Contemporary half grey cloth Bradel bindings over marbled paper boards, spine with gilt floral motif (slightly sunned), double gilt fillets to foot, black sheep title-pieces, upper corners slightly bumped, the fragile parchment-effect covers preserved, two small snags to upper edges, top edge gilt.
Handsome autograph inscription signed by Guillaume Apollinaire to his publisher P.V. Stock at head of endpaper of first volume.
Paper lack to lower cover of second volume, the parchment-effect covers slightly wormed.

First edition of which there were no large paper copies.
With illustrations by Hodges.

First edition, published under the pseudonym of Claudinet and illustrated with original erotic engravings by André Dunoyer de Segonzac, one of 250 numbered copies on vergé d'Arches paper, the only printing.
With 9 free compositions by André Dunoyer de Segonzac, consisting of 2 attractive original hors texte etchings, one title vignette heightened in red showing a bird on a phallus, one vignette on the justification leaf showing a naked woman and five culs-de-lampe with erotic motifs.
Spine slightly faded, slight marginal traces of adhesive paper to endpapers, bookseller's catalogue label pasted to final pastedown, but otherwise a good copy.
Rare.

The Sylphe was first published in 1730, it is Crébillon's first tale. Lettre d'un jeune officier is in anonymous first edition; very rare, this first edition appears to be absent from all libraries. At the end of the letter, a signature: L.B.D.K. Rare edition.
Modern cream parchment paper boards binding. Black sheep title-label.
An erotic tale, the Sylphe, a spirit appearing to a woman weary of men, is the demon of masturbation.

Remarkable Belgian pirate edition of a collection of short stories by Emile Bouchery published in 1837 under the title Après Vèpres and under the pseudonym Froulay. In the absence of revelation of the true author, the pirate publisher arbitrarily attributed it to Pétrus Borel for commercial opportunism and in reference to Madame Putiphar. This attribution occasioned numerous bibliographical debates, the work being somewhat scandalous due to its erotic verve: "Qu'il ose tout, qu'il prenne tout, qu'il les traite en esclaves... c'était leur espoir... le cou se renverse, le sein s'emplit et se développe, les reins s'allument et se soulèvent..." ("Let him dare everything, let him take everything, let him treat them as slaves... that was their hope... the neck arches back, the breast fills and swells, the loins ignite and rise...") Quérard "Supercheries", II, 105.
The work is composed of three short stories entitled Madame Isabelle, A quoi servent les oncles and Du Célibat ecclésiastique.
Half calf binding with corners in beige, spine with five raised bands decorated with fillets, gilt floral friezes and blind floral motifs, gilt fillets on boards, traces of rubbing to joints and corners, original wrappers preserved (boards with three small corner lacks, one of which is skillfully restored), red top edge, contemporary binding.
Rare copy free from foxing.

Remarkable Belgian pirate edition of a collection of short stories by Emile Bouchery published in 1837 under the title Après Vèpres and under the pseudonym Froulay. In the absence of revelation of the true author, the pirate publisher arbitrarily attributed it to Pétrus Borel for commercial opportunism and in reference to Madame Putiphar. This attribution occasioned numerous bibliographical debates, the work being somewhat scandalous due to its erotic verve: "Qu'il ose tout, qu'il prenne tout, qu'il les traite en esclaves... c'était leur espoir... le cou se renverse, le sein s'emplit et se développe, les reins s'allument et se soulèvent..." ("Let him dare everything, let him take everything, let him treat them as slaves... that was their hope... the neck arches back, the breast fills and swells, the loins ignite and rise...") Quérard "Supercheries", II, 105.
The work is composed of three short stories entitled Madame Isabelle, A quoi servent les oncles and Du Célibat ecclésiastique.
Some minor foxing without consequence, a very faint dampstain affecting the very last pages.
Rare.

Very rare second editions of these two novels by Jean D'Intras de Bazas, published respectively in 1604 and 1603. Only the Bibliothèque Nationale de France holds copies of the first editions and second editions. Absent from French catalogues and from the British Library. A vignette on the title page of "Le martyre de la fidélité" unsigned by Léonard Gautier representing two lovers tied to the pillory on a lit pyre, with numerous figures around them. Nodier's Bulletin du bibliophile and Droz's chronological repertoire of literary text editions recognize only this edition for these texts.
Contemporary full brown sheep binding. Raised band spine decorated. Upper joint split at foot for 6cm and at head for 2cm. Headcaps worn. The novels are two tragic love stories, both preceded by a gallant and relatively passionate epistle to Madame de Lerm, Anne de Calonges.
Following the first novel, one finds a series of poems of which the last is a fundamentally erotic poem titled "énigme". Intras was a novelist from Languedoc whose florid and lyrical style is relatively complex. His path is relatively original and modern for this early 17th century period. His literature seems nourished by 16th-century Greco-Latin and Italian novelists, but with a distinctly more tragic and dramaturgical accent. His works, too hastily characterized as light, constitute an important turning point for the history of the baroque novel in France.

New edition.
This text is preceded by a study on the erotic theatre of the rue de la Santé.
Handsome copy.

New edition augmented with new chapters.
Illustrations.

First edition printed in 500 numbered copies on Hollande paper.
Work illustrated with 32 drawings by R.D. Danielo.
Rare.