[PARIS] ROPS, Félicien, THEROND, Emile, and DELVAU, Alfred. - Lot 252

[PARIS] ROPS, Félicien, THEROND, Emile, and DELVAU, Alfred. *Les Cythères parisiennes: An Anecdotal History of Parisian Balls*. First edition of this excellent overview of Parisian balls, which were very popular at the time, and the first print run of the illustrations. From the prestigious library of Victor Mercier, in a signed binding. Paris, E. Dentu, 1864. In-12 format, Bordeaux demi-maroquin Bradel binding with corner pieces, smooth spine, gilt head, untrimmed, cover with vignette and spine preserved. Binding signed by Victor Champs. 281 pp., frontispiece, and 24 etchings. A few light foxing spots. First edition and first printing of Rops’s frontispiece on heavy vellum and the 24 charming etchings on China paper inserted into the text, including 18 by Rops and 6 by Thérond. [Carteret, *The Bibliophile’s Treasure: The Romantic Era, 1801–1875*, p. 194]. Color bookplate by Victor Mercier bearing the motto “Librorum Flos Illibatus.” A fine copy.