Le Roman de la Momie
Alex. Lunois, Theophile GautierParis: Librairie L. Conquet, 1901.
First Thus.
26cm x 19cm. [vi], 262 pages, 41 plates (most with remarques), black and white illustrations in the text. Full ornate leather, all edges gilt, chemise, slipcase, original wrappers bound in. Text is in French.
The principal deluxe illustrated edition of Gautier’s 1858 Egyptological romance, centred on the discovery of the mummy of Tahoser and the narrative of her love for a young Hebrew. Illustrated by Alexandre Lunois (1863-1916), who travelled extensively in Egypt and based his compositions on direct observation of ancient architecture, ornament, and costume. One of 50 copies on Japon, issued with a supplementary suite of the illustrations, bound with the original wrappers and prospectus, in a signed, richly tooled Egyptian style binding by Chambolle-Duru.
Bookplate to front flyleaf. Minor discolouration to spine of chemise, very minor shelf wear to slipcase. Near Fine Condition.
The Book Merchant Jenkins is away 24 August to 25 September, including exhibiting at the Berlin Rare Book Fair (18-20 September). Online orders can still be placed during this period and will be processed on our return. Email enquiries will be answered, though response times may be a little slower than usual.
AU$2,000