At the same sale where I found the paranormal fiction (or are they) books a couple years ago, I found this 1911 first edition of "The Phantom of the Opera" by Gaston Leroux.
As can be seen in the illustrations, The Phantom as envisioned by the author and artist was a much more dapper if not downright extravagant dresser than has been depicted in the movies and stage.
***Update***
As Deadpan Flook pointed out in the comments, Lon Chaney did actually don this outfit for the 1925 silent classic.
I just recently (like today) discovered retro action figure company Super 7 has actually released an action figure of The Phantom in this costume.
The full color plates are stunning. What a beautiful find.
ReplyDeletewow, a first edition, and so lavishly illustrated, no less? amazing find. i have to say, i love the original Phantom's panache.
ReplyDeleteGreat find, indeed!
ReplyDeleteGreat find! And with some great illustrations!
ReplyDeleteOh, and yeah, The Phantom does appear in that fancy attire in the 1925 Lon Chaney film, when he dresses as The Red Death for the masquerade ball...which is where the toy comes in!
Thanks, Deadpan. I'll admit a little ashamedly, I've never watched the whole Phantom before, but I did find some photos of Chaney in the costume and will update the post. Thanks!
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