Memoir of Mademoiselle de Maupin, Theophile Gautier Edition, Rare Late 1800s Edition

The novel is inspired by the real-life 17th-century French opera singer and swordswoman Julie d’Aubigny, known on stage as La Maupin. Gautier’s version is only loosely based on her life and is more a scandalous and decadent novel than a biography.

The story follows Madeleine de Maupin, a beautiful, independent young woman who disguises herself as a man (taking the name Théodore) to explore freedom, passion, and identity outside the constraints placed on women.

This copy of Memoir or Mademoiselle de Maupin states Theophile Gautier Edition on the paste-down spine label along with "Price: Ten Shillings and Sixpence", and "With Sixteen Illustrations". 

Title page states "London: Published for the Trade". In English-speaking countries, it often appeared in “private printings” or “for the trade” editions because of its risqué subject matter. 

No publication date listed. Based on the stated price, estimate is late 1800s to very early 1900s.