J. de Neuville - Les Joyeuses dames de Paris - 1867

Very rare original edition of this curious work on the courtesans of Paris published by J. de Neuville. Preserved in an elegant half-morocco binding with long grain, the spine decorated with the title and date in gilt lettering, with a Bordeaux headband.

In good condition, slight rubbing on the clasps and covers. Interior is fresh, with a few scattered foxing spots without severity. A small tear across three lines on page 47.

Woman of the Latin Quarter, this is the most accurate designation that can be given to young people who usually frequent Mr. Bullier's cellar.
The woman of the Latin Quarter lives with students and not with a single student.
She frequents the pubs on boulevard Saint-Michel, just as the women of the Bréda neighborhood frequent the cafes on boulevard Montmartre.
It's just a difference of latitude.
The beast is the same. It belongs to the same kind, the same family: it has the same customs. What sometimes differs is the habitat and the outer shell.

Provenance; Ex libris 'A. H.' bearing the signature of the engraver: E. Valton / Ex-libris from the Library of Paul Lacombe (1834-1919), French archivist / Unidentified ex libris on the front cover.

J. de Neuville
The Joyous Ladies of Paris
Paris, in all bookstores, 1867
in-12 (13.5x9cm); 173pp+2f