“TO TRADE IN PERFUME IS TO BELONG TO ROMANCE”: WITH FINE BARBIER ILLUSTRATIONS

(BARBIER, George) LE GALLIENNE, Richard. The Romance of Perfume. New York and Paris: Richard Hudnut (William Edwin Rudge), 1928. Slim octavo, original illustrated white paper boards, uncut; original cardboard slipcase. $950.

First edition of this beautiful color-illustrated volume on perfume, with a laid-in pamphlet advertising Richard Hudnut’s Paris perfumery.

Doubtless published to commemorate the opening of Richard Hudnut's perfumery in Paris, this lovely book is accompanied by a special pamphlet (in pocket at rear) entitled "At 20 Rue de la Paix," advertising Hudnut's shop. Le Gallienne's delightful text celebrates the cultural and ceremonial uses of perfume throughout the ages. Both the book and pamphlet contain color plates by famous Art Deco artist and costume designer George Barbier. Renowned for his fashion plates in leading contemporary magazines, including the Gazette du Bon Ton and Vogue, Barbier's artistic style is readily identifiable by his elegant, stylized line. "He was the most sought-after costume designer in Paris, recognized as the theatrical artist who better than any other had captured the mood of the age" (Gordon Ray). "It will just take a few drawings of Barbier to revive the taste and spirit of our time" (Edmond Jaloux). With original slipcase, often not present; without scarce original box.

Interior clean and fine, small stain to rear board, spine mildly toned. Some wear and repairs to slipcase, typically not present. A near-fine copy of this lovely production.