LOUYS, Pierre (1870-1925) - Aphrodite. Moeurs antiques. Paris: Société du Mercure de France, 1896.   An early edition in an elegant artist's binding by Pétrus Ruban (1851-1929) of Louÿs' historical novel, the work that made him famous and caused scandal at the time for its licentiousness. The main characters from the novel come to life in this edition thanks to the delightful etchings drawn by Antoine Calbet (1860-1942). Copy no. 7 of 9 on japon impérial paper, from a total edition of 59 copies.   4to (233 x 165mm). Half-title, 24 etchings in double state. Green morocco decorated with coloured leather inserts signed "P. Ruban 1905" on dentelle, gilt title on spine, elegant gilt decorations at dentelle, marbled endpapers, within a marbled slipcase (lightly faded spine). Provenance: A. Grandsire (bookplate on endpaper).

Estimate € 300 - 500

Sold € 450