Musk Hashish and Blood, Hector France, with 22 etching by Paul Avril (Falstaff Press Inc., New York [c. 1930, stated “London and Paris, Printed for Subscribers Only, 1900” but is most likely a facscimile reprint of that 1900 edition by Carrington/Nichols))
8 1/8″ X 5 3/4″, 447pp, hardbound no DJ, deckle edges top edge smooth and dyed blue, very good condition, some light soiling to boards
In the introduction, the author states, “The Tales here brought together in one Volume are in no sense a work of fancy pure and simple; imagination has played quite a secondary part in their evolution. They are rather what in French we call ‘pages vecues’ (real-life stories) and indeed for ten long years the Author actually lived tem when wrapped in the scarlet ‘burnouse’ of a Spahi, he shared in many a wild foray and desert bivouac on the Algerian frontiers.” He goes on to say, “A few of the following pages I admit, may possibly shock some prudish souls always ready to be shocked; and I hereby declare at once that my book is not written for the perusal in young ladies’ seminaries.”
Édouard-Henri Avril (1849-1928) used the pseudonym “Paul Avril” for his erotic work. He was a French painter and commercial artist. His career saw collaboration with influential people like Octave Uzanne, Henry Spencer Ashbee and Friedrich Karl Forberg. He is one of the most celebrated erotic artists of his age. Avril was a soldier before starting his career in art. He was awarded with the Legion of Honour for his actions in the Franco-Prussian War.
