Immensely popular upon release, Louys' Aphrodite: Moeurs Antiques [Ancient Morals] was, one of the 19th century's most sought-after pieces erotic fiction. Its popualrity in France was enough to secure the financial stability of the newly relaunched Mercure de France publishing house, and its controversial openness regarding sexuality and prostitution made it a topic of scandal (and delight) across the channel in English upper-class circles. Notable painter of nudes, Antoine Calbet, profited enormously from the publication's success.
In very good condition with light pulling to the spine ends, some light scuffs to the front board decoration, and lightly foxed preliminaries. Illustrated with engravings throughout. Bound in moire type red cloth with gilt titles and a silver-tone raised statue motif to the front board, floral endpapers and marbled block edges. Tall 19 x 9.5 cm. Pp. [viii], 390.
