Cupid and Psyche and Other Tales from the Golden Ass of Apuleius (1904)

Signed by Grace Curzon, and in a fine decorative red leather binding by Bumpus

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Printing Details

First edition thus. Small hardback, finely rebound by Bumpus of London in full red leather, the spine with five raised bands and gilt-stamped decorations to each compartment bar one with the title in gilt. The boards each with a floral border of roses and hearts, this repeated in a regular pattern to the central reserve. This pattern again repeated to the turn-ins. All edges gilt. 15 × 11cm, xviii + 117pp.

This copy belonged to Grace Curzon and has been signed by her to the ffep, dated 1920. Grace Elvina Curzon, Marchioness Curzon of Kedleston (1879–1958), was the American-born second wife of George Curzon, the statesman and politician who served as Viceroy of India (1899–1905), and as Foreign Secretary after the Great War. She is perhaps best recognised from her portraits by de László (1916) and John Singer Sargent (1925, it was his final oil painting).

A selection of tales from The Golden Ass of Lucius Apuleius (also known as Metamorphoses), a satirical romance of the 2nd century AD. It is narrated by Lucius, a licentious young man with an insatiable curiosity about people and things. While visiting a sorceress in Thessaly, he induces a maid to steal a magic potion that will turn him into an owl. He takes the wrong potion and turns into an ass instead. In this disappointing form he wanders throughout Greece, passing through the hands of a series of owners who mistreat him. Interspersed throughout the narrative are lively stories of intrigue, witchcraft, and love, the most famous of which is Cupid and Psyche, the Roman myth about the power of love and trust. Following a beautiful but mortal princess, Psyche, and Cupid, the god of desire. After surviving impossible trials imposed by a jealous goddess, Psyche is granted immortality, allowing the lovers to unite forever.

Condition

This copy is in very good condition, with some signs of wear. The front joint is starting, having some light surface wear to the top 6 cms but remains formly attached. There is some minor abrasion to the upper board. The corners are rubbed. There is off-setting from the turn-ins to the ebndpapers (quite a pleasing effect). The main body of text has clean pages and the inner binding is secure. Grace Curzon's signature is crisp and clear.