Taking control of my computer screen from Thailand this morning, James Peacock worked on some of the problems that have arisen from my new site. He resolved some issues and made notes to work on about others. I celebrated with this post in which, for example, readers should be able to enlarge images.
The second of her books that Elizabeth gave me as part of her library culling was
This 1961 edition, bound in stout boards seemingly representing a clasp preserving the contents, carries an offer of free books for introductions.
The work is divided into three Decades, each of ten stories, which I will take separately, for reasons which will become apparent.
Since Balzac, in order to convey a marvellous picture of French life and manners in the sixteenth century, decided to write in the country’s ancient language, he has presented the translator wishing to render the stories into modern English. Imagine translating Shakespeare or even Chaucer into modern French.
I have chosen to return to my two other versions of these “Contes Drolatiques”, and present the work of other artists in company with Mervyn Peake’s quirky illustrations.
“She filled with Greek wine one of the goblets and offered it to her love”
The first story, given as “Beautiful Imperia” by Alec Brown, and as “The Fair Imperia” by each of the other translators, is a typically scurrilous tale involving competition from various members of the wayward religious hierarchy for access to the delights of a superior bawdy wench. The writer’s exuberant and unrestrained descriptive prose carries us along at a fair rate. As is my wont, I will not attempt to rival Balzac in spoiling detail.
My earliest version of the tales is dated 1874, just 37 years after first publication by Gosselin of Paris, and the first in English. At some point the volume has been skilfully rebound, but the pages are clear and undamaged.
The book is lavishly illustrated by the renowned Gustav Doré. When enlarged, these pages will give examples of the prose, although the translator is not credited.
According to the flyleaf my next version of the first Decade once belonged to Gwyneth Ressich of Manila. It is No. 2,335 of a limited edition of 3,000 copies. Alongside the title page and frontispiece above is the embossed design by the artist pictured on the front board.
The Belgian-born Jean de Bosschère (1878-1953) was heavily influenced by Aubrey Beardsley. His full page illustrations are protected by tipped-in tissue.
This evening we all dined on succulent roast lamb; crisp Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, and parsnips; firm Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and carrots; and meaty gravy, with which I drank more of the Côtes du Rhône.
The drawings are gorgeous. The plot of the tale sounds delicious. Good job, Derrick.
Thanks very much, Pat
Love the illustrations.
Who is “Someone posted on derrickjknight: Rising Ground Mist”
I got 2 notifications overnight.
That was James, Chrissy. I had put three posts on the old site by mistake and he moved them to the new one. Thanks very much
That’s good. 🙂
The bits I read reminded me of The Canterbury Tales.
Indeed. Thanks very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
A beuatifully presented book but some very risqué illustrations!
Thanks very much, John
Well presented Derrick, and the illustration by Gustav Dore are indeed very impressive
Thanks very much, Ivor
Your comments are coming through here on my WP notifications, and I am visiting your site via my emails, and that’s ok while I am the computer …
What a great book to be given! And all of the different illustrations are certainly artistic and interesting!
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Thank you very much, Carolyn X
The illustrations are well done! You have quite a few books from the Folio Society, if I am remembering other posts correctly.
Yes, Lavinia. I joined in 1960 and stopped about 15 years ago when I realised I wouldn’t have time to read them all. Thanks very much
What a variety of illustrations! Wonderful.
Thank you very much, Laurie
I never read the name “Balzac” without hearing in my mind the wonderful line from the musical The Music Man, in which the grande dames of the town denigrate the librarian by insisting that she advocates ‘dirty books’: Chaucer, Rabelais, and Balzac.
Here’s a link to the entire bit.
Thank you for that link, Linda. I didn’t know it
I grew up in Iowa, the setting for the musical, and like most people learned most of the lyrics to all of the songs — especially “Iowa Stubborn.” It’s a long way from Balzac, but thanks for stirring the memories!
That was fun
Thank you very much, Linda
Kindred spirits! The same thing goes through my mind, “BALZAC.” ?
I hate having to cull books. Elizabeth is fortunate to have found a good home for hers.
She may have a problem in parting with others. Thanks very much, Sheree
Finally! Not quite sure how I got here, but after days of reading the blog without being able to comment, I am here. My love of technology continues . . .
Nice book, and a great example of why the experience of reading a proper book will never be replaced by Kindle and such things – despite their ability to store a library in a slim plastic shell and to light things so I can actually read them. 🙂
Many thanks, Quercus. I hope things will stay smooth on the blog
🙂 Time will tell . . .
Thank you for re-sending me the link to your blog – how can I re-follow it?
I have forwarded you a message from Sue
What a wonderful library tour you gave us, Derrick. Thank you!
I noticed with yesterday’s post that I could enlarge the photos again.
Good news, Merril. Thank you very much
I’m not getting your posts Derrick..help!
I’ve bookmarked will try that, but I used to get notification of posts? should this still not be happening..
It should now. Here’s hoping
I cannot decide which of the illustrators I prefer!
I always enjoy the illustrations. Thank you for sharing them.
Much appreciated, Sherry
Ah, I am receiving your blog posts via my mail. Hooray! The illustrations by Gustav Doré are amazing.
Thanks very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Derrick, I miss viewing and reading your posts. How do I sign up to follow your new site so that it will show up in my WordPress Reader?
https://derrickjknight.com should work. James is working on the reader issue for those who have problems. in the meantime I wonder whether this message from SueW will help: I’ve just made a discovery.
Using my iPad and Google there IS a Follow button on your site and an avatar (see attached image)
Using my iPad and safari there is NO follow button and no avatar (see attached image)
Using my Windows computer with both Google and Firefox there is NO Follow button.
and no avatar
This suggests that the fault is a browser issue and my settings but NOT a fault with your new site.
I do hope you will be able to get back on board. X
What a wonderful treat. 🙂
Thank you very much, Widders. I am pleased you thought so.
For years, I’ve been reading and re-reading Balzac in the excellent multi-tome Russian translation, and I’ve always enjoyed these tales, even though my mother tried to hide them from me when I was a teenager. Outstanding illustrations, Derrick.
On wow! Those illustrations!
Thanks very much, Ribana
You amaze me , Derrick . Read Balzac in 2023 in England !. Probably I did not read the books you quote
The illustrations are good .
In friendship
Michel
Thank you so much, friend Michel. I have read him since I was young enough to follow him in his own language. One of the world’s best.
A little like we read Shakespeare ! 🙂
Yes 🙂
Great illustrations!
Thanks very much, Luisa
My pleasure❣️