This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/1/2023
BAUDELAIRE, Charles (1821-1867). Les Paradis Artificiels. Opium and Haschisch. Paris: Poulet-Malassis et De Broise, 1860.
8vo. Half-title, title-printed in red and black. Original printed wrappers, uncut (covers carefully detached from textblock, spine and covers professionally reinforced; gatherings are still intact); card chemise and slipcase.
FIRST EDITION, FIRST ISSUE with the correct date of 1860 on front wrapper. A rare landmark work of 19th century drug literature, which provided the term “Artificial Paradise” for the drug experience. “The great French symbolist poet was one of the original members of Le Club des Haschischins, which included, at one time or another, the cream of French literary society. Health problems made him a frequent user of opium as well. Baudelaire’s poetic intensity, combined with a scientific detachment, place his work among the greatest accounts of the philosophy of drug experience” (Phantastica 14, this copy). Carteret I:126; Clouzot, p. 27. A Horowitz high spot.