L'Atlantide
1924, a nicely bound copy of Pierre Benoit's 1919 classic French lost-world novel
Author
Publisher
Printing Details
Early printing. Hardback, rebound in quarter leather with gilt decoration. 19 × 12cm, 316pp [1]. French text.
A nicely bound copy of this classic French lost-world fantasy novel, first published in 1919. Two French military officers, Lieutenant Saint-Avit and Captain Morhange, who are captured while exploring the uncharted Hoggar Mountains of the Sahara. They discover a hidden, lush oasis containing the remnants of Atlantis, ruled by the mesmerizing, ageless Queen Antinéa. She collects and embalms her discarded lovers in a grand red marble mausoleum, which features 120 alcoves waiting to be filled. While Morhange spurns her advances, an intoxicated Saint-Avit succumbs to her psychological hold, eventually murdering his comrade in a fit of jealous obsession before escaping the realm. Though he successfully returns to civilization, he remains utterly consumed by her memory, and the novel closes as he ventures back into the desert, hopelessly searching for the hidden kingdom.
The book won the prestigious Grand Prix du Roman and was filmed several times.
Condition
The pages are age-toned with some blotchy tanning to the prelims but otherwise a very good copy in an attractive binding. School prize label to front pastedown (Christ's Hospital).
Books are currently zero-rated for duty (as of May 2026), so the price shown is the price you pay.
Price
£40.00
