The time has passed when furtive readers of Mlle. de Maupin barricaded themselves behind locked doors to read a forbidden copy of Gautier's masterpiece.  Now it is openly enjoyed simply because it combines the gifts of the supreme story-teller with an imagination that rose above the moral prejudices of its time.  In addition to Mlle. de Maupin, the exotic novelette One of Cleopatra's Nights is included in this volume.