Author: Pierre Louys

Translator [into English]: Frances Keene

Publisher/Date: Libra Collection, NY, 1960

Format/Condition: Gently used hardcover book with ribbon bookmark is in fine condition. Clear acetate dust jacket is near fine: tiny chip at back corner. The two piece slipcase is very good: agedtoned, lightly soiled. 225 pages, purple endpapers, printed on yellow paper. Illustrated with full-page plates, two of which are in color.

Description: First published in 1896, Aphrodite is a masterpiece of French 19th century literature. This classical tale of sensuous love was one of the best-selling novels of its time. This book sealed Louys reputation as a popular author of erotic literature.

Contents Book One Chapter One. Chrysis Chapter Two. On the Pier in Alexanderia Chapter Three. Demetrios Chapter Four. The Passing Woman Chapter Five. The Mirror, the Comb and the Necklace Chapter Six. The Virgins Chapter Seven. Chrysis’ Hair Book Two Chapter One. The Gardens of the Goddess Chapter Two. Melitta Chapter Three. Scruples Chapter Four. Moonlight Chapter Five. The Invitation Chapter Six. Chrysis’ Rose Chapter Seven. The Tale of the Enchanted Lyre Book Three Chapter One. The Arrival Chapter Two. The Dinner Chapter Three. Rhacotis Chapter Four. A Bacchanalia with Bacchis Chapter Five. Crucified Chapter Six. Exultation Chapter Seven. Cleopatra Book Four Chapter One. Demetrios’ Dream Chapter Two. Panic Chapter Three. The Crowd Chapter Four. The Answer Chapter Five. The Garden of Hermes Anubis Chapter Six. The Purple Walls Book Five Chapter One. It is Written Chapter Two. Dust Returns to the Earth Chapter Three. Chrysis Immortal Chapter Four. Pity Chapter Five. Piety

Each of the full-page plates reveals a master’s vision of the universal, the eternal Woman-goddess. Some are called Aphrodite, some Venus, some have quite unrelated names, but in each one an artist celebrates the ideal that Aphrodite embodied for the ancient Mediterranean world.

The list of works of art included are:

Botticelli: The Birth of Venus Bronzino: An Allegory Esquiline Venus Cranach: Venus and Cupid Picasso: Woman Combing Her Hair Ingres: Venus Anadyomene Parvati: Medici Venus Rebens: Venus with Fur Cloak Matisse: Nude Maillol: Ile de France Renoir: Bather Apsara Di Credit: Venus Aphrodite of Cyrene Cranach:: Venus Mars and Venus Correggio: Education of Cupid