Justine
Holland [but probably Paris]: Chez les Libraires Affocies, 1791. First Edition. Wrappers. 2 vols. in 1. 1st edition (in French) of the Marquis de Sade’s first published book, the onset of Gothérotique, a wildly successful species born in the days when safe sex meant handrails on the headboard, but now tamed and marketed to sensitivity dulled readers as Erotic Romance Novels. French marbled wrappers (ca. 1830s), printed paper label (original?), wraps chipped, spine faded, some other minor, unsurprising flaws else very good condition. 1/2 French morocco case. The first volume, uncut and singular with full margins, is the printing in 8vo. (the 1st). The second volume is the printing in 12mo. (the 2nd), with the margins painstakingly and expertly extended 180 years ago to match in size, with only the text and title page, but the rare “avis de l’éditeur” and the “explication de l’estampe” (often missing) are present here, though moved to the front of vol I. And as for our vol. II being in 12mo. see the next paragraph for the 2012 set’s auction record. Very good. Item #265
Price:
$38,500.00