J. K. Huysmans [Joris-Karl Huysmans] — A Rebours

Paris, Fasquelle Editeur, 1961. Leather. A 1960s edition of J. K. Huysmans classic Decadent novel, strikingly bound in a beautiful morocco binding with floral gilt detailing. In the original French.First published in 1884, this is a 1961 edition of 'A rebours', which follows Jean des Esseintes, an eccentric, reclusive, ailing aesthete. The last scion of an aristocratic family, Des Esseintes loathes nineteenth-century bourgeois society and tries to retreat into an ideal artistic world of his own creation.Retaining the publisher's original paper wraps, this volume has been enclosed in a striking full morocco binding, with floral gilt detailing to board perimeters and back strip.With the bookplate of art dealer and art collector Adrian Eeles to the verso of the front wrap, and his inscription to the following leaf. Eeles specialised in olds master prints and drawings. It is likely that Eeles himself acquired this binding.From French novelist and art critic Joris-Karl Huysmans. First considered part of Naturalism, he became associated with the Decadent movement with the publication of this work, inspiring works such as Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray. Rebound in a striking full morocco binding with extensive floral gilt detailing to boards and back strip. Externally, lovely, with back strip lightly age toned and a touch of rubbing to joints. Publisher's original paper wraps bound in, with minor tide mark to front wrap. Former owner's bookplate to verso of front wrap, with inscription to following leaf. Internally, firmly bound. Pages age toned due to paper type, but clean. Very Good . Ill.: None. Very Good .