DAPHNIS AND CHLOE, From the Greek of Longus.
Paris: Librairie H. Launettest Cie, [1900].
Edition de Grand Luxe. No. 10 of 100 copies. (Boston issue of Francis A. Nichols). 4to. xvi, 166p. Illustrated by Raphael Collin with in-text drawings in black and sepia and 12 engraved plates, each in 3 states, the first mounted. In an elegant unsigned binding of full red crushed morocco with blue morocco doublures and red silk flyleaves, t.e.g., the spine in 6 uneven decorated panels, one featuring a figure of Chloe, the covers with elaborate borders and panels, the largest of flowers and trailing vines. Fine, a beautiful and sumptous book in all respects. Item #24205
"Despite the satire in Daphnis and Chloe, there is a serious religious or philosophical undercurrent, for Longus sees Plato's Love (Eros) as the supreme cosmic force behind events, so that he even, as one of the characters is made to assert, 'possesses greater power than Zeus himself.' Thus, the plot unfolds in an atmosphere in which seriousness and levity are piquantly blended. Throughout, lapses into the ludicrous are avoided, a note of sincerity rings through the sentiment, bold realism is effectively introduced from time to time--all, thanks to Longus' gifts as a careful, graceful stylist." (Grant. Greek and Latin Authors 800 B.C. - A.D. 1000. p. 258.
Price: $2,500.00