Gustave LE BON

First edition of this magnificent work, one of Gustave Le Bon’s (1841–1931) contributions to anthropology, in which he applied his pioneering theories to the Arab world. One of the few copies printed on japon paper, unrecorded in bibliographies.

Illustrated with 10 chromolithographs, 4 maps, and 366 engravings, including 70 large plates, after the author’s photographs or the most reliable documentary sources. Cf. Vicaire V, 134.

Contemporary half cherry-red shagreen, spine with five raised bands adorned with gilt fillets and double gilt compartments, double gilt fillet frame on marbled paper-covered boards, comb-marbled endpapers and pastedowns, top edge gilt.

Minor s

First edition, one of the rare copies on Japan paper, of which no mention is made.
Half dark blue shagreen binding, smooth spine richly decorated with gilt typographical and floral motifs, some rubbing traces on one joint and the lower headcap, gilt fillet outlining the marbled paper boards, pebbled paper endpapers and pastedowns, original wrappers preserved, top edge gilt.
A handsomely bound copy.
Provenance: from the personal library of Gustave Le Bon with his bookplate representing Buddha meditating in the lotus position pasted on a pastedown.