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Description
[HISTORY]
[Thomas ARTUS]
A Description of the Isle of Hermaphrodites: Recently Discovered, concerning the manners, customs and ordinances of the inhabitants of this isle, as well as Jacophile’s Discourse at Limne, together with several other curious pieces.
2 volumes bound together. In-12°. Full ivory-coloured vellum binding.
- Isle of the Hermaphrodites: The title page and frontispiece are missing. 1724 edition - [The original 1605 edition bore a different title]. 235 pages.
Regarded as the first French dystopia, this account of a Frenchman, weary of his country’s ills, travelling to an island inhabited by effeminate, who wear make-up and are devoted to feasting and pleasure, is a satire on the debauchery of the court of Henry III, himself represented by King Hermaphroditus, a king who is both woman and man.
The work brought considerable renown to its author, about whom little is known, save that he produced several scholarly translations. The work, which was compared to the *Satyre ménipée*, was presented to Henry IV, who ordered that the author should not be troubled.
- Jacophile’s Discourse to Limne: The title page is missing. 191 pages.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
About the sale
Bibliophilia – A fine selection of antique and modern books
Auction location
Auction time
10/15/2026 at 1:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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