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an old book sitting on top of a table next to a white wallan old book with a drawing of a group of people on itan old book sitting on top of a table on a white surfacean old book with red writing on it sitting on top of a tablean old book with a black and white picture on ita close up of a book with writing on it
KÂ- MONDO / KAPANDJI MORHANGE

238 - RESTIF DE LA BRETONNE, Nicolas-Edme.
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Estimate €100 - €180
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Description
RESTIF DE LA BRETONNE, Nicolas-Edme. *Le Pornographe*. Brussels, Gay and Doucé, 1879. In-8 (19.5 x 12 cm), paperback. LVII–213 pp. Split spine; fragile volume. A critical edition of this manifesto on the regulation of prostitution written by Restif de La Bretonne, whose passion for women led him to frequent prostitutes assiduously. It was first published in 1769. This edition is preceded by a study by Hippolyte Mireur (57 pp.), a 19th-century French physician, who was also the author of several works on the subject (Syphilis and Prostitution in Relation to Hygiene, Morality and the Law (1875); *Prostitution in Marseille* (1882)). Printed on laid paper in a limited edition of 600 copies, all numbered (no. 191).‎ This draft regulation on prostitutes is unique in its literary form, as Restif uses letters to Madame des Tianges to detail the situation of prostitutes. The author’s main argument is as follows: since prostitution appears to be a necessary evil, it must be controlled through the creation of specialised establishments, supervised by the police and doctors, and administered in such a way as to guarantee a home for the children of sex workers. What is most surprising to the reader is to realise that the author has laid down rules for everything: food, laundry, hygiene… The second part deals with the situation of prostitution in several European countries and cities. Completely illustrated with a bistre etching by Chauvet, as the frontispiece.
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About the sale Collectors’ books for sale – First editions – Illustrated editions – Varia IV
Auction location
Auction time 11/02/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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