André Hubert - Eros, épines et roses. De Villon aux libertins - 1949

The 1949 anthology Éros, épines et roses. De Villon aux libertins jusqu’à Saint‑Pavin, published in Paris by Éditions de l’Odéon and printed by Georges Dechalotte, presents a curated selection of erotic poetry from the 15th to 17th centuries (from François Villon through the libertines up to Saint‑Pavin). The collection is edited (or prefaced) by Henri Poulaille.

This quarto has been well bound in 3/4 calf (slightly scuffed: see photos) and the original covers and spine have been preserved.

Illustrated by André Hubert, the edition features 31 colour illustrations (miniatures, headings, borders) executed by pochoir and decorative technique. The visual approach is clearly medieval-miniature inspired: floral guirlandes, illuminated letter-titles, and coquettish allegories that echo the erotic content. The choice of high-quality paper (“sur B.F.K. de Rives”) and the lovely illustrations make this a very attractive piece of French erotica.

This is a limited edition, number 219.