1914. Frantz Toussaint. *the Garden Of Caresses*. Piazza Publishing. Large Format

Here is a truly beautiful, extremely rare book, emblematic of the Orientalist taste of the early 20th century, with a sumptuous presentation and in perfect original condition—but, unfortunately, it is missing some elements, which explains the very low price I have set. 
Indeed, while the text is complete, the illustrations created by Léon Carré for this book are missing.
The quality of the printing and the decorative work on the pages is such—and so incredibly costly—that at the time, it was decided to keep the book and bind it anyway in a simple half-binding of camel-colored morocco leather. 
Since the text is complete, it is still a great pleasure to read it accompanied by illuminations—some in gold—and the charm remains intact. 
It was supposed to be hand-numbered, but it is not. It is an orphan copy from the run of 500 printed on large-format vellum.
Frantz Toussaint (1879–1955) was a renowned French writer and Orientalist of the early 20th century. His best-known translation is that of the Rubaiyat by the medieval Persian poet Omar Khayyam. 
This is undoubtedly a heavily toned-down translation of erotic Oriental poems. The aim was to avoid falling afoul of censorship while also not shocking the sensibilities of the prudish readers of the time. 
In the early 20th century, Piazza Publishers specialized in Oriental works, producing delightful little books richly illuminated with miniatures.
The large-format editions are infinitely rarer, as they boast an incomparable quality of craftsmanship. 
Here is an opportunity to acquire, at a modest price, a work that is remarkably elegant in its incompleteness.
88 pages. In perfect condition.