Aphrodite, mœurs antiques, by Pierre Louÿs, illus. Eduard Zier (Librairie Illustree, J. Tallandier, Éditeur, nd [c. 1900], Paris, printed by Charles Hérissey, engravings executed by Ruckert et Cie, on Champon, Bichelberger et Cie )
6.75″ x 10″, 374pp, hardbound in half buckram over marbled boards, very good condition for age, some bumping to boards and foxing throughout pages, red ribbon intact
Pierre Louys (1870 – 1925) was a French poet and writer, most renowned for lesbian and classical themes in some of his writings. He is known as a writer who “expressed pagan sensuality with stylistic perfection.” “Aphrodite: mæurs antiques” (Ancient Manners) is a “libertine” story set in ancient Alexandria. Highlights include the loves of Chrysis, an orgy banquet ending in the crucifixion of a slave, the love of two young musician girls and the festivals of Aphrodite.
