Aphrodite : Pierre Louys 1906 [ Erotica , Charles Carrington ]
$250
In stock
Description
First English edition of the Ancient Greek erotic novel of Aphrodite by Pierre Louys published by Charles Carrington in 1906 and finely bound by Brentano’s of Paris
Louys, Pierre. Aphrodite : A Novel of Ancient Morals. Charles Carrington : 13 Faubourg Montmartre, Paris. First English Edition.
Originally published in French in 1896, this thoroughly illustrated and exquisitely bound copy of Aphrodite by Pierre Louys represents one of the scarcer titles put forth by Charles Carrington , British ex-pat and Parisian pornographic publisher. Noted for his predilections for flagellation and otherwise abusive sex acts, this semi-“Romantic” title from noted antiquarian and lover of Ancient Greece, Pierre Louys , is not entirely out of character for his publications.
The story of a blonde Galilean courtesan who catches the eye of sociopathic sculptor who will do anything in pursuit of his ideal statue of the Goddess Aphrodite, this thoroughly illustrated story featuring art from Edouard Zier blends Louys typical fascination with orgies, lesbianism, and Ancient eroticism complete with esoteric elements such as “The Garden of Hermanubis”.
Although the publisher, Charles Carrington, lived until 1921, he retreated to Belgium with failing eye sight due to syphilis far earlier, leaving this among the last of the works he oversaw the execution of.
This particular copy features a unique luxury binding completed by the bookseller Bretano’s Paris branch.
8vo, 412pp, three-quarter bound red leather with marbled boards, title and author gilt stamped to tooled spine. Two small white paint flecks to back board. Some rubbing and wear to spine ends at joints. Some rubbing along board fore edges. Marbled pastedowns and endpapers. Bretano’s Paris stamp to second free end paper. Illustrated throughout by Edouard Zier. Very good condition.
If you liked this book, you might also enjoy this copy of Louys’ Songs of Bilitis owned by Hollywood director and composer Victor Schertzinger
