King Candaules Théophile Gautier

King Candaules by Théophile Gautier, Société des Beaux Arts (Paris), 1895.____DESCRIPTION: 10 5/8 x 8 inches (27.0 x 20.5 cm, 139 pp. Preface written by Anatole France. One of only 20 deluxe lettered copies of the Edition de Deux Mondes (this copy is letter "H"). Elaborate binding of full blue-green morocco, large central figure of a fleur-de-lys in purple morocco onlay and gilt in Art Nouveau style, elaborate borders of lily bouquets and garlands in gilt with onlay of flowers of red, white and brown morocco. Spine with gilt designs and lily onlays, four raised bands, wide blue-green morocco turn-ins with elaborate gilt floral designs surrounding a large burnt orange morocco doublure with an oval inset of white leather with a hand-colored nude figure, ivory silk moire endleaves, rear inner panel with large plain burnt orange morocco doublure. Fine letterpress printing on Japan vellum paper. 61 illustrations by Paul Avril comprised of twenty illustrations in three separate states - plain (B&W), indigo and fully colored and one in single state, all protected with tissue guards. top edge gilt. Custom slipcase in matching fine purple cloth. Book protected with a clear archival Grafix Dura Lar dustwrapper._____CONDITION: Two tiny rust spots (1-2mm) on back (blank) of the B&W frontispiece illustration with faint offset on opposite full-color frontispiece. No markings, text block square and firm, all hinges intact. Free of foxing and toning. A very fine copy, in exceptional condition for a 129 year old book._____DISCUSSION: King Candaules is Théophile Gauthier's fanciful tale which draws inspiration from Greek mythology. King Candaules of Lydia, obsessed with his beautiful wife Nyssia who insists on keeping herself heavily veiled, ultimately devises a plot which results in his downfall. The engraved illustrations by Paul Avril are "of the time" and are accomplished and attractive. The spectacular binding, although unsigned, is clearly the work of one of the top ateliers in late 19th century Paris. NOTE: International shipping cost to the United Kingdom and Europe is $55 U.S. dollars.