Histoire de la prostitution chez tous les peuples du monde depuis l'antiquité la plus reculée jusqu'à nos jours, par Pierre Dufour.

Paris, Seré, Editeur [Typographie Flos Frères], 1851-1853.. First Edition. 6 volumes in 3. Large 8°, contemporary quarter tan calf over marbled boards (a few tiny wormholes near outer joints, longer [about 5 cm.] on lower joint of final volume, front hinge of first volume gone), flat spines gilt, each with two red leather labels, tan endleaves. Illustrated with 20 handsome engraved plates. Occasional foxing and light browning. On the whole, a very good set. Oval stamp of Vieira Pinto on p. [5] of volumes I and III, and p. [3] of volume V. 469 pp., 6 pp. advertisement, (2 ll. advertisement), 3 plates; 480 pp., 3 plates; 426 pp., 6 pp. advertisement, 2 plates; 394 pp., 4 plates; 400 pp., 4 plates; 398 pp., 4 plates. *** FIRST EDITION. Fascinating and comprehensive cross-cultural historical study of prostitution, filled with a wealth of interesting information. The first two of the six volumes cover prostitution in antiquity among the Egyptians, Jews, Greeks and Romans, including religious prostitution, such as the cults of Venus and Priapus. The last four volumes encompass the Middle Ages through the reign of Henry IV. The interesting plates illustrate moments in the lives of prostitutes. Paul Lacroix (1806-1884), best known under the pseudonym of P.L. Jacob, wrote novels as well as works of history and culture, including a history of Napoleon III, the life of Tsar Nicholas I, and (with Ferdinand Sere), the five-volume Le Moyen Age et la Renaissance (1847). Lacroix denied authorship of this work. *** Querard 1014-15. Osler 6022. Vicaire IV, 837-8. Gay II, 511.