ROMI. — Brothels. History - Art - Literature - Social Custom - Lot 253

ROMI. — Brothels. History - Art - Literature - Social Customs. No place, published at the author’s expense, 1952. Large in-4 volume, paperback, white cover with blue and red printed designs. First edition of this important and richly illustrated monograph devoted to the history of brothels, examined from historical, artistic, literary, and social perspectives. Extensive black-and-white illustrations throughout the text and as full-page spreads: photographs, reproductions of paintings and engravings, postcards, advertisements, publication covers, and numerous documents relating to brothels and their history. Printed on November 10, 1952, at the presses of Gaston Maillet & Co. in Saint-Ouen. An interesting detail: this copy still includes the original small metal key used to lock the publisher’s case, with its “Key No. 5” label, as well as its lock inspection slip No. 001336 bearing the inscription: “And here, as promised, is the key that will protect your copy of *Maisons Closes* from prying eyes.” Unfortunately, the lockable box for which this key was intended is no longer present. The cover is slightly worn, with a few small stains and signs of use, creases at the bottom of the covers, and minor wear on the cap bands and the ends of the spine. The interior is well-preserved overall. An interesting copy that, despite the absence of the publisher’s box, retains its rare original key, its label, and its inspection slip.