BURTON, Richard Francis (1821-1890) - photo 1
BURTON, Richard Francis (1821-1890) - photo 2
BURTON, Richard Francis (1821-1890) - photo 3
BURTON, Richard Francis (1821-1890) - photo 4

BURTON, Richard Francis (1821-1890)

Lot 73
13.02.2025 10:00UTC +00:00
Classic
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CHRISTIE'S
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
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ID 1362865
Lot 73 | BURTON, Richard Francis (1821-1890)
Estimate value
£ 10 000 – 15 000
BURTON, Richard Francis (1821-1890)
A Plain and Literal Translation of the Arabian Nights’ Entertainment, now entituled The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night with introduction explanatory notes on the manners and customs of Moslem men and a terminal essay upon the history of The Nights. Benares [probably London]: Kamashastra Society for the Grolier Society, London [i.e. Smithers and Nichols], 1885 [but 1897].
Number 1 of 20 copies only of the 'edition de grande luxe' of the ‘pre-eminent English translation of the Middle Eastern classic’ (ODNB); the most sumptuous issue with the plates printed in three inks, Bartolozzi ink, purple ink and black. This set is complete with its original polished mahogany presentation ‘casket’ (thus described in the prospectus). The ‘Grolier Society’ imprint was in fact a nom de publication for the notorious 1890s publisher Leonard Smithers and his partner, the printer-bookseller H. S. Nichols. ‘Smithers and Nichols issued the so-called Grolier Society editions in various forms beginning in 1897. The most expensive of all – and the most sumptuous, as one gathers from its name – was the Edition Grande de Luxe [sic]’ (James G. Nelson, Publisher to the Decadents: Leonard Smithers in the Career of Beardsley, Wilde, Dowson, 2000, p. 41).

Burton's translation of ‘The Arabian Nights’ was a significant achievement in his life. He began the project in earnest in 1882, distinguishing his work by preserving the original Arabic's sexual content and adding extensive footnotes based on his travels and research. Unable to secure a publisher, Burton self-published the work, limiting subscriptions to 1000 copies, despite receiving 2000 requests. This venture proved financially successful, earning him 16,000 guineas from a 6000 guinea investment. Despite its archaic style, the book has become a classic: ‘It is the keystone of Burton’s literary reputation’ (ODNB). Penzer p. 119.

12 volumes, octavo (252 x 154mm). Chromolithographic volume titles. 21 etched plates by Alphonse Lalauze, 71 photogravure plates after paintings by Albert Letchford, all in 3 states, one on India paper mounted, one on Imperial Japanese vellum, and one on Van Gelder Holland paper, making a total of 276 plates (occasional short marginal tears, I.B8 with small marginal chip). Original vellum with onlaid panels of green morocco blocked in gold with an arabesque strapwork design, gilt-lettered spines with star-shaped morocco onlays, decorative endpapers of a floral design with intertwined bird motifs, top edges gilt, others uncut (some inner hinges split); contained in the original mahogany casket, the front with onlaid lattice woodwork surrounding two glazed doors, the glass with metal lattice-work onlaid at rear, the doors hung on brass hinges with two locks and key. Provenance: Quentin George Keynes (1921-2003; explorer, writer, filmmaker, and bibliophile, his collection sold:) – Christie’s 7-8 April 2004, lot 287.
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
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13.02.2025 – 13.02.2025
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