Toussaint, Franz & Hermes, Gertrude ~ The Garden Of Caresses : The Special Edition Bound In Full Vellum With 4 Loose Engravings Each Signed By Gertrude Hermes

Golden Cockerel Press, London : 1934

The sole printing of this illustrated edition published by the Golden Cockerel Press in 1934. The BOOK is in near Fine condition. Printed in Gill Felicity Italic on Millbourn paper. 8vo. Translated from the Arabic into French by Franz Toussaint and then rendered into English by Christopher Sandford. 8 copper engraved erotic headpieces by Gertrude Hermes. This copy is number '26' (from a total edition of 275 copies), and is one of circa 25 randomly numbered special copies bound by the publishers in full vellum with gilt titling, a gilt cockerel design to the front panel, and issued with additional erotic engravings. The BOOK is in near Fine condition with just a small amount of lightening of colour to the front edge of the front board. Top edge gilt. Free from inscriptions. A hint of spotting to the blank end-papers. Although the specially bound full vellum copies were issued with six extra copper engravings inserted loose in the sleeve at the rear of the book, this copy has only four of the engravings present. However, all four of the engravings are signed (in pencil) and dated (1934) by Gertrude Hermes. 'Chanticleer, bibliography of the Golden Cockerel Press 1921 -1936' does not reference the engravings as having been signed by Gertrude Hermes. The engravings are complete with some very light spotting to the edges. One plate is more spotted which has very lightly encroached onto the plate. The four extra engravings are much more distinctly erotic than the engravings in the book and have not been included as illustrations in the book. The book is housed in a custom chemise with a morocco printed label and a matching slipcase. The sensually joyful love poems were written by a Moor in Spain in the 10th century. Hermes's engravings for the Garden of Caresses are particularly sensuous and beautiful. (Chanticleer 100). A very handsome production and extremely scarce with such attributes.

BINDING: Hardcover
CONDITION: Near Fine