Le Bibliophile Fantaisiste

Turin: J. Gay et Fils, 1869.
First Edition.

16cm x 9.5cm. [iv], 288; [289]-576 pages, 12 parts in 2 volumes (continuous pagination), 3 plates. Half leather, gilt lettering, top edges gilt, marbled endpapers. Text is in French.

Anthology of rare and curious French texts from earlier centuries, largely comprising satirical and facetious verse, dialogues, chansons, and other literary pieces on love, women, marriage, and sexuality. Published by Jules Gay and his son Jean at Turin in 1869 for the bibliophile market cultivated through Gay’s work as a publisher and bibliographer of erotic and prohibited literature, it remains a useful sourcebook of French literary curiosa. One of 100 numbered copies on papier verge dit Hollande (from a total edition of 175), with three plates printed on chine, being portaits of Marguerite de Navarre, Francois Villon, and Clement Marot.

Minor rubbing and shelf wear to bindings. Bookplates and old dealer’s catalogue reference mounted. Very minor soiling. Very Good Condition.

AU$1,000