"Priapeia or the Sportive Epigrams of divers Poets on Priapus." 1890, bearing the collector's stamp of Sir Herbert Thompson (British, 1859-1944). Five hundred numbered copies. Printed for subscribers.
Sir Richard F. Burton (the famed explorer), based on his extensive travels translated and published works that were shocking in his day for accounts of sexuality, and in particular his accounts of male brothels and same-sex relations, which has led some historians to suspect he was gay.
In ancient Roman and Greek cultures, statues of Priapus were placed in gardens to ward off thieves, and with warnings including sexual threats, one such epigram, first translated in this volume (page 41), reads, "Think not that everything I say is spoken in jest and for my own amusement. That ye may not be in doubt, I will tell ye this: that thieves who are often caught I shall irrumate!" (In the ancient Roman sexual vocabulary, "irrumatio" is a form of forced oral sex (os impurum), in which a man forces his penis into someone's mouth, almost always another man's (Wikipedia). Colloquialism for "face-fuck".
Condition
Every lot is sold "as is," "where is," and "without warranty," whether express or implied. Lighting and electronics have not been tested and should be professionally evaluated prior to use. Art has not been examined outside of the frame unless otherwise stated.
Our auction items are antique and vintage, often from estates, and are not in perfect condition. They often show normal signs of age, use, and wear, which might not be specified in a condition report. Bidders are responsible for determining the physical condition of items prior to bidding. The absence of a condition report does not indicate the absence of condition issues with the lot. Requests for condition reports, additional photographs, or a video inspection can be obtained via email at: info@vallots.com (any condition statement given is offered as an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact).
All bids are final. We do not offer refunds based on item description, condition, or for any other reason.
