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, original bevel-edged green cloth, front and spine panels stamped in gold and black, t.e.g., brown coated endpapers. First edition. The more elaborate of two bindings, priority, if any, not known. "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. Spine ends and corner tips lightly rubbed, several tiny rubs to cloth on rear cover, a bright, nearly fine copy with tight inner hinges. A lovely, superior copy of a scarce book that does not age gracefully. (#167631).
Price: $450.00
No statement of printing.