Rachilde

Monsieur Vénus. Roman matérialiste.

1884 · 8717 — <p>First edition first issue complete with all subsequently censored text including the final scene in which the heroine makes love to a partially animated transgender mannequin. Rachilde who was to style herself as a 'man of letters' on her calling cards was just 24 when Monsieur Vénus her second novel was published in Brussels. The book caused an immediate scandal and was vigorously suppressed by the Belgian and French authorities. Subsequent editions were shorn of the novel's more shocking passages which were conveniently attributed to Rachilde's probably-fictitious co-author 'Francis Talman' whose name appeared on the title page. Some critics refused to believe that a work which frankly recounted the pursuit of sexual pleasure by a noblewoman Raoule de Vénérande could possibly be the work of a young woman. It remains an unsettling work describing Raoule's treatment of her young male lover Silvert who she persistently feminizes and humiliates. Silvert ultimately dies at the hands of one of Raoule's suitor's in a duel and is replaced by her with a mannequin with real hair teeth and fingernails who can be alternately dressed in male and female clothes.</p><p>The Belgian authorities sought to destroy as many copies of the first edition as possible and it is accordingly a noted rarity.</p><p>12mo 180 × 118 mm pp. 8 228 2 complete with half-title wanting the first of the two advert leaves at rear probably an early cancellation. Some light browning. Original pale green upper and lower covers preserved in early green cloth with red morocco label. Unidentified early monogram stamp to half title. Spine faded with short tear no loss at head. A very good copy.</p> Auguste Brancart.