Description
1923 edition. Hardcover has significant wear, discoloration, scuffs and marks throughout. No dust jacket. Spine has tears on the top and bottom. Binding is secure. Pages are clean and largely unmarked aside from some small marks on some pages.
This fascinating volume, published in 1923, offers a rare glimpse into the bawdy and irreverent world of Anatole France, one of the most celebrated French writers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. “At the Sign of the Reine Pédaque” is a collection of short stories and vignettes that showcase France’s wit, satire, and keen observations of human nature.
The book’s title, a playful pun on the French word for “prostitute,” sets the tone for the ribald and often scandalous tales within. France’s sharp pen skewers the hypocrisies and foibles of the bourgeoisie, clergy, and aristocracy with equal aplomb, making this work a delightful romp through the underbelly of French society.
While the condition of this particular copy reflects its age and the ravages of time, the book itself remains a treasured artifact of France’s literary legacy. The illustrations by Frank C. Pape, a renowned American artist of the era, add an extra layer of visual richness to the stories, capturing the spirit of France’s prose with their whimsical and risqué depictions.
For collectors and readers alike, this edition of “At the Sign of the Reine Pédaque” offers a rare opportunity to delve into a world of wit, satire, and social commentary that has stood the test of time. France’s mastery of the written word, combined with Pape’s artistic vision, make this a truly unique and valuable addition to any library.
