Online

05-31-201806-08-2018
Skinner Website
Skinner WebsiteOnline
May 31, 2018 10:00 AM - June 8, 2018 10:00 AMCalender
1213

Nicolas Edme Retif de La Bretonne (1734-1806) Les Parisiennes, ou XL Caracteres Generaux Pris dans les Moeurs Actuelles, propres a Serv

Sell one like this
$861$700
Auction: Books & Manuscripts - 3103TLocation: MarlboroughDate / Time: May 31, 2018 10:00AM

Description:

Nicolas Edme Retif de La Bretonne (1734-1806) Les Parisiennes, ou XL Caracteres Generaux Pris dans les Moeurs Actuelles, propres a Servir a l'instruction des Personnes-du-Sexe. Neufchatel: Chez Guillot, 1787. First edition, four 12mo volumes illustrated with twenty plates, bound in contemporary sponge-decorated French calf; the leather dry, endcaps chipped, spines darkened, 6 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (4)

N.B. "Retif was a 'pornographer' in the modern sense of the word, being a writer of graphic depictions of sex. However, he was also a 'pornographer' in the Ancient Greek sense of the word, as he wrote about the day-to-day life of prostitutes, and concerned himself with their well-being. It was the latter definition which he accepted as the rightful use of the word." (Kendrick, Walter (1987). The Secret Museum: Pornography in Modern Culture (First ed.). Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press. pp. 19-20. ISBN 0-520-20729-7.)
Estimate $300-500

I: A14, B-M12, N4 [6 plates including frontis]; II: A8, B-Q12, R6 [4 plates including frontis]; III: A4, B-R12 [5 plates including frontis]; IV: A-Q12 [5 plates including frontis]. Total plate count: 20


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

Keywords

Nicolas Edme Retif de La Bretonne, Los Angeles