Théophile Gautier - Constantinople - 1856

Charming literary and picturesque work that blends ethnographic observation, oriental reverie, and flamboyant prose -

This book is the fruit of a journey undertaken in 1852, aboard the Léonidas, sent by the newspaper La Presse. Gautier explores:

The quarters of Constantinople: Galata, Péra, Scutari, the harem, Hagia Sophia

Ottoman customs: Ramadan, hammams, costumes, religious ceremonies

An orientalist vision, influenced by Nerval, Chateaubrain d and the Thousand and One Nights

A rich and imagery-laden language, mixing architectural descriptions, sensory impressions and philosophical digressions

The work is considered a masterpiece of romantic travel writing, where Gautier contrasts the dreamed Orient with the rational West, while avoiding dry erudition in favor of sincere impression -

Théophile Gautier - Constantinople - 1856 - Michel Lévy Frères -
364 Pages.

Very good condition of the binding, the work in its half-leather edition, marbled boards, binding under the protection of cellophane, original cover not preserved, light wear from use, red edges, spine with gold-ornamented nerves, gilded title and author’s name -

Good interior condition, the first page of text with a small transverse tear (1.5 cm), paper moderately yellowed, "new edition" of 1856, the original having appeared in 1953, endpapers in marbled paper, in very good condition -

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