Henry Monnier - Les Bas-fonds de la société [1/100] - 1880

A beautiful copy of this rare print run of 100 copies, the fourth edition after the original of 1862, a 'very ordinary and poorly printed' edition, and the tiny edition of 1879.

Bound in a fine half-brown morocco binding, with a smooth spine decorated with a lovely design of gilded tools, borders, and gilded initials. Covers and spine preserved. Neatly printed in small characters.
In very good condition. Well-made and clean binding. Slight scuffs on the edges and corners. Interior fresh and clean, with few specks. Covers preserved, without the spine.

Rare edition of this licentious work.

Published for the first time in 1859 (the first three pieces appeared in the Popular Scenes), The Underworld of Society was prosecuted for outrage to public morality, and its destruction was ordered by a judgment of the Seine criminal court on May 12, 1865. Vicaire, V 1019.

The work, composed of 8 dialogues among several characters concerning crime, is 'more specifically addressed to bold and resilient minds who are not intimidated by the sight of the whole truth, and who, whatever it may be, are strong and courageous enough to find a remedy for it' (Preface).

Henry Monnier
The Underbelly of Society
Miniature Edition (on the print from Paris at J. Claye), In London [Brussels, Kistemaeckers], no date [1880]
1 volume. in-32 (13.5 x 9.5 cm), 2 front pages, 206 pages, and 1 unnumbered chapter page.