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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. — 4to, 321 x 248: (5 leaves), 44 pp., (2 leaves), pp. 45–106, (2 leaves), pp. 107–125, (4 leaves, the last one blank), illustrated cover. Dark brown half-maroquin with corners, gilt fillets, plain spine decorated with gilt and mosaic motifs, gilt head, untrimmed, cover and spine preserved (Durvand).
A 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 prevailed, 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 faded. Several illustrations have bled through onto the facing pages. A few foxing spots.
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
Lot description modified on 10/06/2026 at 3:41 PM
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