Charles Beaudelaire. Flowers of Evil. Translated by C. Bower Alcock. Illustrated by Beresford Egan. New York, Sylvan Press, 1947.
Flowers of Evil, illustrated by Beresford Egan, Title Page
Flowers of Evil, Illustrations by Beresford Egan, Page 35
Flowers of Evil, Illustrations by Beresford Egan, Page 45
The Flowers of Evil (Les Fleurs de Mal) by Beaudelaire was one of Caine’s favourite books and a special edition of it was gifted to her by Marcus. (stderr) The edition that she received was printed in limited quantities in 1947 with artwork by Beresford Egan and that’s Marcus in the first picture holding a copy of the same book he sent to Caine. The next 2 photos are Marcus displaying 2 of the interior plates to the book. Caine published several illustrations from the book on the blog and always noted how much she enjoyed the exaggerated forms and dark, macabre style of Egan. I’ve included the rest of the illustrations in the book below the fold.
Illustrations via: Retro Sixty, Modern British Art
There are several other editions of this book available to read at The Internet Archive. If you desire to read this edition by Beresford Egan you will need to open an (free) account at The Internet Archive and formally borrow the book.
Flowers of Evil, Illustrations by Beresford Egan, Page 41
Flowers of Evil, Illustrations by Beresford Egan, Page 15
Flowers of Evil, Illustrations by Beresford Egan, Page 21
Flowers of Evil, Illustrations by Beresford Egan, Page 27
Flowers of Evil, Illustrations by Beresford Egan, Page 52
Flowers of Evil, Illustrations by Beresford Egan, Page 58
Flowers of Evil, Illustrations by Beresford Egan, Page 92
Flowers of Evil, Illustrations by Beresford Egan, Page 98
Flowers of Evil, Illustrations by Beresford Egan, Page 104
Flowers of Evil, Illustrations by Beresford Egan, Page 124
Flowers of Evil, Illustrations by Beresford Egan, Page 130
Flowers of Evil, Illustrations by Beresford Egan, Page 134
That edition is still very giftable, if you know a book lover. I used to regularly pick up copies for $40-$50 on ebay.
In face there is a copy on there right now “buy it now” for $35.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/FLOWERS-OF-EVIL-by-BERESFORD-EGAN-LIMITED-EDITION-1947-FLEURS-DU-MAL-PATTERN/382708324511?hash=item591b31989f:g:JwoAAOSwLuBb~L0e
Normally I’d just snap it up because that’s how my hoarder/compulsive obsession works but I’ll leave it there for a couple of days in case someone else wants it.
Page 27 is a very close to a classic boob and butt pose.
The flowing lines and the faces form quite a contrast.