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Description
[DINET (Étienne)].
Antar. An Arabic heroic poem, based on the translation by Marcel Devic.
Paris: H. Piazza et Cie, 1898. — In-4, 321 x 248: (5 ff.), 44 pp., (2 ff.), pp. 45–106, (2 ff.), pp. 107–125, (4 ff., the last blank), illustrated cover. Dark brown half-morocco with corners, gilt fillets, plain spine decorated with gilt and mosaic motifs, gilt head, untrimmed, cover and spine preserved (Durvand).
New edition of the translation by the orientalist Marcel Devic (1832–1888), first published in 1864. It is illustrated with over 130 colour plates, comprising ornate letters, fleurons and culs-de-lampe, by Étienne DINET (1861–1929).
This deluxe edition showcases one of the seminal works of Arabic literature, *Antar*, famous in the East but long overlooked in the West. Before the 19th century, only a few fragments had been translated in France.
Attributed to the physician Aboul-Moayyed Mohammed (11th or 12th century), this novel draws on much older sources to depict the lives of the desert Bedouins, far removed from the urban splendour of *One Thousand and One Nights*. It tells the story of Antar, the son of an emir and a black slave, who, despite prejudice, makes a name for himself through his bravery, his eloquence and his love for Abla, thereby earning his place amongst the nobility.
The narrative, combining rhymed prose and poetry, opens with a reimagined biblical prologue before delving into the hero’s exploits. Ernest Renan saw in it a portrait of a free society, unbound by restrictive laws, where a lofty sense of honour reigned, alongside a nomadic and chivalrous way of life, spontaneous poetry and romantic refinement. (See the preface to the 1864 edition.)
The edition was printed in a run of 300 copies; this one is one of the 230 printed on Vosges vellum paper (no. 253).
A very fine copy, bound in its original binding by Lucien Durvand (1852–1924).
Spine slightly thinned. Several illustrations have bled through onto the facing pages. Scattered foxing.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
About the sale
Claude Mozis Library – Black Africa and the African diaspora
Auction location
Auction time
10/21/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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