Side Real Press:
Newcastle- Upon- Tyne: 2020
hardcover, Limited, New sans dust jacket as issued,
175 pp.
Cover artwork by: Etienne Drian

This edition limited to 300 copies. “Originally published in 1897, this novella by arch-decadent Jean Lorrain (the pseudonym of Paul Alexandre Martin Duval, 1855-1906) is newly translated, introduced and annotated by Brian Stableford. . . Those familiar with Lorrain’s decadent oeuvre such as his novel ‘Monsieur De Phocas’ will be unsurprised to learn that this novella is equally bizarre, eccentric and full of abnormal psychologies, epitomized by eponymous ‘hero’ (party modelled on fellow-decadent author Barbey-d’Aurevilly) who regales two visitors to Amsterdam with stories concerning his youthful adventures in high society with his ‘dear friend Monsieur Mortimer’. It is also a strangely poignant work of exotic phantoms and faded dreams which seem to have haunted its own author, for in 1898 Lorrain wrote an ‘epilogue’ to the book that remained unpublished until 1935. This moving coda is now incorporated into the present volume. The Side Real edition is also augmented by a suite of illustrations by the French artist and designer Etienne Drian (1885-1961) which originally appeared in a French-language de-luxe limited edition of the book published in 1927. Drian remains largely unknown to the English speaking world although his sinuous fashion illustrations for magazines such the U.S. magazine ‘Harper’s Bazaar’ helped to define the ‘jazz-age’, while his interior designs graced the homes of the New York jet-set and Indian Maharajahs. An essay (including a rarely seen studio portrait of the artist) by fashion historian and conservator Sandrine Tinturier is the most substantial biography yet of this reclusive designer. The book is also our (Side Real Press) largest and most sumptuous volume to date, measuring 280 x 230mm (11” x 9”); printed on thick paper in four colours to ensure the best quality reproduction of Drian’s artwork and bound in a heavy book-cloth blocked in two colours.” #69399

Price: $125.00