PARNY (Évariste de). - Lot 25

PARNY (Évariste de). Erotic Poems. Bourbon Island, 1778. — In-8, 172 x 111: (2 ff.), 64 pp. Marbled calfskin, cold-tooled fillet framing the covers, decorated raised spine, red edges (contemporary binding). A rare first edition of this collection of thirty erotic poems by Chevalier Évariste de Parny (1753–1814). He was born in Saint-Paul on the island of Bourbon (now Réunion), where he spent part of his youth, an experience that profoundly influenced his work, which is imbued with exoticism and nostalgia. Around 1775, he met Esther Lelièvre, a 13-year-old “blonde Creole” from the island, who would become his muse and inspiration under the name Éléonore. Their relationship, though brief and perhaps platonic, gave rise to passionate poems, most of which appear in this collection. This edition was printed in a small run on heavy laid paper. A fine copy in a contemporary binding. One hinge has been restored; the corners are worn.