Théophile Gautier - Constantinople - 1836

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

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

The quarters of Constantinople: Galata, Pera, Scutari, the seraglio, Hagia Sophia

Ottoman customs: Ramadan, hammams, costumes, religious ceremonies

An orientalist vision, influenced by Nerval, Chateaubriand 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 opposes the dreamed Orient to the rational West, while avoiding dry erudition in favor of sincere impression -

Théophile Gautier - Constantinople - 1836 - Michel Lévy Frères -
364 pages.

Very good condition of the binding, work in its red half-binding edition, marbled boards, light signs of wear, colored edges, spine with raised bands adorned with gold fillets, gilded title and author’s name -

Good interior condition, some stains, small vignette on the title page, clean text, marbled endpapers in good condition, a fine copy -

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