The Perfumed Garden, Sheikh Nefzaoui — 1st Edition

£24.95

The Perfumed Garden, Sheikh Nefzaoui — 1st Edition

Name: The Perfumed Garden, Sheikh Nefzaoui — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4232
Price: 24.95 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: Paris [Saint-Denis], Imp. Dardaillon, c. 1930s–1940s

Formatting: 8vo. Original printed paper wrappers.

Condition Report: Very Good. The original mottled green paper wrappers are remarkably well-preserved for a fragile clandestine publication, showing only mild toning and faint shelf-wear to the extremities. The binding remains sound and tight, though typical of continental paperbacks of the era, the spine exhibits slight creasing. The edges of the text block are untrimmed and appropriately darkened by age. Internally, the pages remain bright, largely free from foxing, and retain their crispness. A handsome and highly presentable surviving copy of a deliberately ephemeral production.

Catalogue Note: This is a fascinating artifact of the 20th-century clandestine book trade. Printed in Saint-Denis by Imp. Dardaillon, the back wrapper boldly states both "Price : Hundred francs" and "Not to be sold in England or U.S.A." This printed warning was a hallmark of English-language erotica published in Paris explicitly to tempt British and American tourists while circumventing the restrictive Obscene Publications Act and US Comstock laws.

Burton’s translation of Nefzaoui’s 15th-century Arabian erotology manual was highly sought after in the West, leading to numerous pirated and clandestine editions being churned out by Parisian presses. Because these cheaply produced paperbacks were designed to be smuggled across the Channel and secretly circulated, surviving copies that remain entirely intact in their original paper wrappers are an uncommon and desirable find on the open market today.

Originally composed in the 15th century by the Tunisian scholar Sheikh Nefzaoui, The Perfumed Garden is a masterpiece of Arabian erotology. Blending practical advice on physical intimacy and marital harmony with witty anecdotes, medicinal remedies, and poetic reflections, it serves as both a manual of love and a captivating window into medieval Islamic society. First brought to the English-speaking world through Sir Richard Burton’s legendary 1886 translation, the book was long suppressed by Western censors, driving its publication into the hands of clandestine Parisian printers. It remains a celebrated and sophisticated exploration of sensual delight.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Sheikh Nefzaoui (Trans. Sir Richard F. Burton)

Book Publisher: Imp. Dardaillon

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Antiquarian

Genre: Classic Fiction

Book edition: Special Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages:

Book Publication Year: 1946

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Original Paper Wrappers

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: Saint-Denis, Paris, France

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.