Theophile Gautier; Alex. Lunois — Le Roman de la Momie

Librairie L. Conquet Paris First Thus Near Fine Condition 26cm x 19cm. [vi], 262 pages, 41 plates (most with remarques), black and white illustrations in the text. Full ornate leather, all edges gilt, chemise, slipcase, original wrappers bound in. Text is in French. The principal deluxe illustrated edition of Gautier's 1858 Egyptological romance, centred on the discovery of the mummy of Tahoser and the narrative of her love for a young Hebrew. Illustrated by Alexandre Lunois (1863-1916), who travelled extensively in Egypt and based his compositions on direct observation of ancient architecture, ornament, and costume. One of 50 copies on Japon, issued with a supplementary suite of the illustrations, bound with the original wrappers and prospectus, in a signed, richly tooled Egyptian style binding by Chambolle-Duru. Text is in French. Bookplate to front flyleaf. Minor discolouration to spine of chemise, very minor shelf wear to slipcase. Category: Literature & Fiction; Africa; 20th Century: 1900-1909; French Language; Fine Bindings. Inventory No: 0037325.