ARABESQUES: MONARE. DOMITIA. APOLLYONA. OMBRA. Boston: Roberts Brothers, 1872. Octavo, pp. [1-8] [1-3] 4-213 [214: blank] [215-216: ads] [note: first leaf is a blank; fly leaves precede first blank and follow page (216)], four illustrations in the text, text printed in red and black throughout, original pictorial terra cotta bevel-edged cloth, front and spine panels stamped in black and gold, rear panel ruled in blind, brown coated endpapers, top edge stained red. First edition. The more elaborate of this book's two bindings. An under-appreciated gem, richly ornamented with supernatural motifs, anticipating the revival of medievalism by William Morris. "Literary fables after the manner of the German Romantics, with a melange of Classical, Medieval and Oriental motifs, well-blended. First adventure 'Monare' probably influenced by Fouque's THE MAGIC RING; in one episode young knight slays evil de Maupre, brigand and werewolf, gathers blood in silver flagon to raise his victims from the dead. Other adventures involve witchcraft, visit to the Underworld (a la Tannhauser), magical charms, and a doppelganger." - Robert Knowlton. "Well-sustained, imaginative; among the best late 19th century fantasies." - Bleiler, The Guide to Supernatural Fiction 714. The last tale, "Ombra," involves a variation of the blood motif found in the first. A doppelganger of the hero is magically created, animated by his blood and sent out in front of the hero to draw the enemy. The doppelganger is slain but this allows the hero, in disguise, to enter and wreak his rightful vengeance. Locke, A Spectrum of Fantasy, p. 96. Bleiler (1978), p. 86. Reginald 06336. Wright (II) 1025. Cloth worn and frayed at spine ends and corner tips, cloth bubbled, a sound, good copy with tight inner hinges. (#165789).
Price: $150.00
No statement of printing.