The story entitled by The Folio Society as “The Succuba”, and by the other two publishers under consideration as the more normal “The Succubus” Is the longest story in Balzac’s collection.
The tale explores the nature of this female demon believed to have had sexual intercourse with sleeping men – in this case the “sleeping with” is not today’s euphemism for not actually sleeping. The case against, in what is essentially a 13th century witch hunt and trial, following the determination of the equivalent of our Crown Prosecution Service that there is a case to answer. Evidence is amassed, and a conclusion reached after a veritable Inquisition. I will not detail this for fear of spoiling the story, but must warn that anyone reading too much of the text accompanying Doré’s illustrations may get the idea.
Although there is plenty of the author’s entertaining wordplay to keep us engaged, some repetitions, for example the lists of participants ( the reason I never finished Malory’s “Morte d’Arthur”) does bore a bit.
Here are the illustrations of Mervyn Peake in the Folio Society edition;
those of Gustave Doré published by The Bibliophilist Society;
and Jean de Bosschère from Covici Friede.
Further details of each of these publications is given in https://derrickjknight.com/2023/01/06/droll-tales-1/except that the second Decade is published by New York’s Covici, Friede in 1929. It is America’s first edition thus and is a limited copy. The illustrations are not protected by tissue but the book’s condition is good and covered by a cellophane wrapper.
Sounds a bit like a horror story!
Yes, indeed. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone had filmed it. Thanks very much, Laurie
I thought so, too, Laurie, particularly with the Gustave Doré illustrations.
Yes, yes!
Interesting illustrations. I’m not surprised to read that witchcraft was involved.
Thank you very much, Pat
More interesting illustrations, and men so easily tempted by what they call “the weaker sex.”
Thank you so much, Merril
Such dark, but interesting illustrations!
OOH on the story subject matter! Horror-y indeed!
(((HUGS)))
Definitely, Carolyn. Thank you very much X
Some of those black and white drawings would give me nightmares.
I see your point, Chrissy. Thanks very much
Many of the darker illustrations are quite detailed. I remember an old “Night Gallery” episode about a succubus.
Thank you very much, Lavinia
Totally charming illustrations
Thank you very much, Sheree
Hi Derrick, this story sounds very dark (right up my street). It reminds me of Poe’s The Pit and the Pendulum.
Thanks very much, Robbie. The Pit…. was a shocker