The Loves of Cupid and Psyche; in Verse and Prose, Jean de La Fontaine

£460.00

The Loves of Cupid and Psyche; in Verse and Prose, Jean de La Fontaine

Name: The Loves of Cupid and Psyche; in Verse and Prose, Jean de La Fontaine
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4384
Price: 460.00 GBP
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The Loves of Cupid and Psyche; in Verse and Prose by Jean de La Fontaine (incorporating a version from the Latin of Apuleius), translated by John Lockman.

Publication: London, H. Chapelle, 1744

Formatting: 8vo, pp. [xxii], 368.

Condition Report: Very Good. Antiquarian full mottled calf binding remains tightly bound and structurally sound, showing a pleasing period patina. The boards and hinges are firm, though the exterior exhibits typical rubbing, bumped corners, and some minor chipping and loss to the leather at the head and tail of the spine. The spine retains its five raised bands and a sharply gilt-lettered black morocco title label reading "LOCKMAN'S FONTAINE". Internally, the text block is remarkably bright, fresh, and free of heavy foxing or moisture damage. The original marbled endpapers remain vibrant and largely intact, rounding out a handsome, honest copy of an 18th-century survivor.

Catalogue Note: This 1744 printing represents the first English edition of John Lockman’s translation of Jean de La Fontaine’s 1669 Les Amours de Psyché et de Cupidon. Lockman uniquely pairs La Fontaine's elegant, neoclassical French interpretation of the myth with a direct translation of the original Roman source material from Apuleius’s The Golden Ass.

Adding to the book’s historical charm is its provenance; the front pastedown bears the handsome armorial bookplate of Christopher Harrison, featuring a prominent crest and shield. While not exceedingly rare in commerce, copies of this specific Chapelle edition that retain their original 18th-century bindings without complete modern rebacking are increasingly desirable on the open market.

Immerse yourself in one of mythology’s most enduring romances with this 18th-century translation of The Loves of Cupid and Psyche. Masterfully blending prose and verse, this volume showcases Jean de La Fontaine’s graceful retelling of the ancient myth alongside the original Latin narrative by Apuleius. Translator John Lockman provides extensive annotations and a lively biography of La Fontaine, creating a comparative study that highlights the evolution of the tale from classical antiquity to the French neoclassical era. An essential and enchanting addition for collectors of mythology, classical translations, and exquisite 18th-century literature.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Jean de La Fontaine, Apuleius (Translated by John Lockman)

Book Publisher: H. Chapelle

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Classic Fiction

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 368

Book Publication Year: 1744

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover (Full Calf Leather)

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.