Latest Acquisitions

First edition of the French translation, for which no deluxe paper was printed.
A pleasant copy.
We include the second volume, covering the period 1979-1994, published in 2005.
Rare handwritten signature of Alexandre Solzhenitsyn on the title page.

Original photograph depicting Charles Gounod, full face.

Vintage gelatin silver print mounted on cardboard, produced by photographer Isidore Alphonse Chalot at 18, rue Vivienne, Paris.

Autograph inscriptions in black then blue ink on the verso by the recipient, A. Lasserre, inspector at the Opéra Garnier: "Portrait de Ch. Gounod signé le soir de la 926eme représentation de Faust (samedi 29 septembre 1888) A. Lasserre."

Additional handwritten note in pencil in the right margin of the verso: 1867e représentation de Faust le 28 septembre 1929.

Printed stamp at foot of the verso: "Maison Martinet Albert Hautecoeur, 18, bd des Capucines."

Charles Gounod’s dated autograph signature to upper right corner of the photograph : "Ch. Gounod 29 7bre / 88."

First edition of the catalogue of the 33 works by Paul Cézanne exhibited at the Galerie Bernheim Jeune & Cie from Wednesday 1st to Saturday 18th December 1920.

Upper cover lightly sunned along the edges, printed stamp and shelf number to upper left corner of the inside front cover; otherwise a rare and attractive copy.

Some pencil annotations in the margins of a few of the listed works.

Catalogue illustrated with 10 reproductions of the artist’s works.

Introductory text by Octave Mirbeau.

New edition, partly original as revised, of this study first published in 1858 in the Revue des Deux Mondes (Sabin 40127. Ryckebusch 5041).

Minor chips to the corners of the covers, some occasional foxing.

A member of one of the oldest families in Martinique, Romuald Le Pelletier de Saint-Rémy (1809–1882) served as president of the Central Agency of Colonial Banks; he wrote extensively on West Indian issues and colonial ventures in South America.

Inscribed by the author Romuald Le Pelletier de Saint-Rémy on the front free endpaper.

First edition, one of 10 numbered copies on Madagascar paper reserved for the author, the smallest limitation on deluxe paper after the 2 copies printed on pure rag paper, also hors commerce, printed for Jacques Hébertot.
A very handsome copy.

First edition, (cf Röhricht p. 499. Hage Chahine 2893.)

Rare, light foxing without significance.

Binding in half green cloth, smooth spine slightly faded, decorated with cold fillets, a slight abrasion near the gilt title, marbled paper boards, sprinkled edges, binding of the period. Preliminary pages, departure of the expedition, Lebanon, excursion to Baalbek and the Cedars of Lebanon, military pilgrimage to Jerusalem, the French garrison in Lebanon.

First edition of the vocal and piano score of the opera Déjanire by Camille Saint-Saëns.

A few pencil annotations in the margins of certain staves.

Our copy is presented in a 3/4 shagreen clamshell box, spine with five raised bands framed by gilt garlands and decorated with gilt fleurons, gilt lettering at foot of spine: "Inscribed by composer". Boards, endpapers and pastedowns in marbled paper. Spine of the box slightly faded.

Inscribed, dated and signed by Camille Saint-Saëns to music critic Edouard Beaudu.

Rare first edition illustrated with an original frontispiece etching by Raoul Cordier, depicting an authentic portrait of Nasser-ed-Din.

Minor losses and tears to the soiled cover margins, with a larger marginal loss to the rear cover; clean and attractive internal condition.

The only edition of this biography written on the occasion of Nasser-ed-Din Shah Qajar's (1831–1896) second European tour. He ruled Persia from 1848 until his death and was the first Persian monarch to visit the West. The reforms he introduced to the country ultimately led to his assassination by a fanatic.

Inscribed and signed by Edmond Dutemple to Monsieur Brunet, with date.

First edition of the French translation of this rare and significant travel account.

Illustrated with 16 folding and full-page plates featuring numerous figures: landscapes, natural history subjects, elephant hunting scenes, and more (cf. Gay 2808).

Contemporary full brown calf, spine with five raised bands, gilt tooled compartments with double gilt frames and decorations, gilt rolls on caps, gilt fillets on board edges.

Spine expertly rebacked to style, repairs to p. 1 and several plates, occasional foxing.

"De toutes les anciennes relations de la Guinée, celle-ci est la plus estimable : elle est aussi très recherchée. C'est sur la Côte d'Or, sur celle des Esclaves et sur le royaume de Benin, assez imparfaitement décrits avant et après Bosman, que ce voyageur s'est particulièrement étendu". Cf. Boucher de La Richarderie.

A Dutch traveller, Willem Bosman lived during the second half of the 17th century. He spent fourteen years in Africa, where he successively served the Dutch West India Company as a factor on the Guinea Coast, and as chief director of the Axim and Elmina trading posts on the Gold Coast. He visited in detail the most notable locations across these regions, commissioned drawings of local fauna, and had maps made of the territories east of Elmina. Upon his return to Europe, he published his observations under the title Naauwkeurige Beschryving van de Guinese goud, land en Slaven-Kust, Utrecht, 1704, followed by a French translation the following year (Hoefer).

Provenance: from the library of Joseph M. Cleason, with his bookplate pasted on the inside board.

First edition in French, one of 1,000 numbered copies on Annonay rag paper, the only deluxe paper copies.

Illustrated with numerous photographs. Preface by Maurice Herzog. Foreword by the Duke of Edinburgh.

Publisher’s full flexible boards binding. Lacking slipcase, spine sunned with minor tears at head and foot.

Rare and handsome autograph inscription, dated and signed by General John Hunt: "A M. Robert Moch vous témoignant notre reconnaissance de nous avoir préparé la trace jusqu'au sommet du signal de l'Iséran le 3 janvier - et pour vous exprimer nos regrets de ne pas l'avoir suivie ! John Hunt 7/1/54."

This copy is further enhanced with the handwritten signature of Edmund Hillary beneath the inscription.

Autograph letter dated and signed by Cécile Sorel, comprising 23 lines in blue ink on a bifolium bearing her monogram as Countess of Ségur by marriage.

Folds consistent with mailing.

The actress thanks her correspondent, a journalist at Théâtre, for his glowing review: "Vous savez combien tout ce qui vient de vous touche le plus sensible de mon coeur, jugez de ma joie en lisant les belles lignes que vous me consacrez."

As a token of her gratitude, she sent him flowers and invited him to visit her soon: "faites-moi la joie de venir déjeuner et causer avec moi de la pièce qui dort dans vos cartons et de laquelle j'attends une revanche."

Autograph letter signed with his real surname, Fargonne, addressed to his friend Pierre Louÿs, 7 pages written in black ink on two bifolia bearing the letterhead of the Reina Christina Hotel in Algeciras.

Folding marks inherent to mailing, envelope included.

After postponing his reply, Claude Farrère finally decides to write to his friend: "Et plutôt que d'attendre toute ma vie (on ne sait jamais, affirmait la Mirabelle du roi Pausole), je préfère vous dire aujourd'hui que je ne sais rien." He takes the opportunity to evoke a recently deceased mutual friend: "j'ai eu une vraie désolation, en apprenant que la pauvre Nite était morte - je vous jure que je serais bien le dernier à rire du vers moliéresque - n'importe en quelle circonstance - mais en celle-ci, c'est très pire ; figurez-vous que j'adorais cette petite bête blanche pour l'avoir vue peut-être douze fois en tout"

He wryly comments on the military diligence that earned him favor with his superiors: "Et j'ai su d'autre part, - voie féminine - que mon empressement et mon enthousiasme à rallier le Cassini furent remarqués et commentés à Toulon - Qu'est-ce qu'on va dire quand on me verra revenir, mein Gott !!!! Il va falloir que je cherche un home à quadruple sortie. Nous chercherons ensemble, le mois prochain, entre Tamaris et Mourillon."

Black and white photographic postcard depicting Raymond Poulidor in cycling attire.

A handsome copy. To the verso, a promotional label for Raymond Poulidor equipment has been affixed.

Inscribed autograph tribute signed by Raymond Poulidor in brown felt-tip pen to the upper left margin of the card.

Provenance: from the collection of renowned autograph collector Claude Armand.

First edition, one of 40 copies printed on Crèvecoeur du Marais paper, the only copies on deluxe paper.

A pleasant copy, despite a faint sunning at the foot of the spine.

New edition, with mention of the print run.
Illustrated.
Two losses to the spine; complete with its illustrated dust jacket, which shows small chips and angular tears. One gathering poorly opened with minor marginal losses not affecting the text.

Bookplate affixed to the verso of the front cover.

Rare signed presentation inscription by Albert Schweitzer: "A monsieur et madame André Fontan en souvenir de leur passage à Lambarené le 2.6.1963, avec mes bonnes pensées. Albert Schweitzer."

First edition on regular paper.
Pleasant copy.
Inscribed and signed by Jean d'Ormesson to Jacqueline Rendoing.




 

New edition. A steel-engraved portrait frontispiece, printed on China paper and mounted. Printed in very small type, arranged in two columns.

Full polished blond calf binding, signed by Thouvenin at foot of spine. Smooth spine with blind-stamped Gothic architectural elements heightened with gilt dots, gilt fillets and title. Covers blind-stamped with a large Gothic window surrounded by architectural ornaments. Multiple blind-ruled frames with corner fleurons and gilt fillets. Inner dentelles. All edges gilt. Joints discreetly cracked at head. Some foxing and occasional browning to a few pages. Minor rubbing. Spine slightly dulled. A handsome copy.

First edition, with no copies printed on deluxe paper.
Minor creases to the front cover, without consequence.
Amusing signed inscription by François Cavanna to a friend named Paul: "Pour Paul, ces galopardes, ces galipettes dans les coins noirs de l'histoire. Cavanna."
 

First collected edition of the French translation, one of 50 numbered copies on vélin alfa, the only copies printed on deluxe paper.

A handsome copy, with only a few insignificant foxing spots to the edges.

First edition, with no copies printed on deluxe paper.

A pleasant copy despite two small creases at the foot of the front cover.

Inscribed and signed by Jean Favier to the Belgian literary critic Pol Vandromme.

New edition, one of the review copies.
A handsome copy.
Lengthy signed autograph inscription from Gabriel Matzneff to his friend, the Belgian literary critic Pol Vandromme: "Pour Pol Vandromme que j'aimerais beaucoup revoir à Paris ou lors d'un de mes prochains séjours en Belgique, ce roman qui s'est, en onze ans, bonifié, comme le vin, avec mon très amical et fidèle souvenir. Gabriel Matzneff."
 

First edition, one of 450 numbered copies on Alfa paper, after only 17 on Hollande and 22 on pur fil.

Spine and covers slightly and marginally sunned, as usual, otherwise a pleasing copy.

Autograph manuscript titled Requeste singulière de Nosseigneurs les Ducs et Pairs et de Mesdames les Duchesses au Régent - L'an 1716 ["Singular Request from My Lords the Dukes and Peers and from My Ladies the Duchesses to the Regent - The year 1716"]. Six pages written in black ink, without erasures or corrections.
19th-century binding in half marbled sheep, smooth rubbed spine decorated with gilt and blind fillets, title label along the spine, paste-paper boards stamped at their center with the arms of Adélaïde Édouard Lelièvre de la Grange, marquis de la Grange and de Fourilles [information kindly provided by M. Jérôme-Paul Carré], pebbled paper endpapers and pastedowns, De Broglie-Dampmartin bookplate pasted on front pastedown. Headcaps absent.
This burlesque petition was transcribed in Les Ruelles du XVIIIème siècle by Labessade in 1879.

First edition on ordinary paper.
Pleasant copy despite some minor foxing to the edges, publisher's wraparound band preserved.
Inscribed by Jean d'Ormesson to the Belgian literary critic Pol Vandromme: "Bon noël ! cher Pol Vandromme, Bonne année ! et beaucoup d'amitiés de Jean d'Ormesson"



 

First edition, one of the review copies.

A handsome copy, complete with the wraparound band: "Les rois mages racontés par Michel Tournier".

Inscribed and signed by Michel Tournier to the Belgian literary critic Pol Vandromme: "Pour Pol Vandromme en toute amitié."

First edition on ordinary paper.
A handsome copy despite a few tiny spots on the front cover, with the promotional band preserved.
Inscribed by Jean d'Ormesson to the Belgian literary critic Pol Vandromme : "... les baisers les plus affectueux de Casimir et l'amitié reconnaissante de J.O."



 

First edition of the French translation, one of 44 numbered copies on pur fil, the only copies printed on deluxe paper.

Spine very slightly sunned without consequence, bookplate affixed to the verso of the front cover, a handsome copy.

First edition, first issue, illustrated with 21 original etchings by Jules Lalauze. Printed in a limited edition following 220 copies on deluxe paper. One of 20 copies on Wattman paper, no. 40. Title pages printed in red and black. A fine impression. An exceptional copy with the engravings in four states (sometimes bound further within the volume), whereas even the copies on Japan paper contain only three states, two of which are proofs on Japan paper. Volume IV is unfortunately lacking in this set. Original wrappers and spines preserved.
Contemporary half orange morocco binding, signed by Canaps on the upper flyleaf. Spine with raised bands, tooled with four crosses composed of four tulips and circles in the corners. Gilt title, volume number and date. Double gilt fillets on covers. Untrimmed copy, with full margins, of pristine whiteness. Some traces of rubbing. Darker areas on certain boards.

A superb copy.

Collective edition, partly original. It is illustrated with 3 frontispiece titles and 23 figures by François Chauveau. The three frontispiece titles dated 1660, the title page of the second volume with the date 1664, the other two title pages dated 1660. In the second volume, the privilege is also dated 1664, while the other two volumes have the privilege dated 1660. The second volume is therefore the 1664 reprint, identical in every respect to the 1660 edition, with the exception of the collation of the preliminary pieces. The three discourses as well as the examinations of each piece appear for the first time.

Binding in full 20th-century chocolate morocco signed Alix at the bottom of the endpapers. Spine with raised bands decorated with 4 grotesque panels, author, title, volume number, and date in gold. Large and rich interior border. Triple fillet border on the boards. Gilt edges. Minimal traces of rubbing. Volumes of great purity, with paper of beautiful freshness. Slipcases edged with chocolate morocco covered with old laid paper.

Magnificent copy.

Very rare first edition of this excellent grammar.

A few occasional spots, otherwise a pleasing copy.

Contemporary-style binding in half forest green morocco-grained shagreen, spine with five raised bands, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers, binding signed by Laurenchet.

The third part contains fables, tales, and poems in both Wolof and French.

Abbé David Boilat (Saint-Louis, Senegal, 1814 – Nantouillet, 1901), a missionary in Senegal, left behind a significant body of work: this grammar, the Esquisses sénégalaises, and several unpublished manuscripts.

Rare critical edition of this medieval chivalric romance. Includes a preface on the origins of chivalry and early tournaments, along with a foreword to aid the understanding of the narrative. This edition also features two tales: Histoire de messire Floridan et de la belle Ellinde, et Addicion extraites des cronicques de Flandres, qui est très belle chose.
Contemporary full polished red morocco. Smooth spine with decorative gilt tooling, red morocco label for title and volume number. Triple gilt fillet border on covers. Gilt edges. Gilt inner dentelles. A few small spots of foxing. Title-page of the first volume reinforced at lower margin, an old restoration. Tail of volume I slightly worn.

A very handsome copy.

First edition, one of 80 numbered copies on Hollande paper, the deluxe issue.
Fine copy.

The first edition, an advance [service de presse] copy.
A fine inscription from Jean Cocteau to Jean-Paul Sartre: “son ami de tout cœur [your true friend].”
Despite not being of the same generation, and despite everything that could have separated them, Jean Cocteau and Jean-Paul Sartre were friendly in the late 40s and early 50s. When Sartre died, Jean Marais evoked their regular telephone calls and dinners with endless, wonderful discussions.
The two also worked together for recognition for Jean Genet and in July 1948 published an open letter together in Combat, addressed to the President of France, Vincent Auriol, urging the release from prison of the poet-thug. A few years later, Cocteau would help Sartre set up a committee of support for Henri Martin, a Communist protesting against the war in Indochina, sentenced to five years in prison for distributing pamphlets. Cocteau also took part in the staging of Sartre's Dirty Hands at the Théâtre Antoine in 1948.
In giving the high priest of Existentialism an inscribed copy of The Difficulty of Being, the indefatigable dandy was giving him one of his most intimate pieces. In this work, Sartre's political engagement is evoked in poetic terms: “but why does he insist on visible engagement? The invisible engages so much more…Poets engage themselves without any goal other than to lose themselves.”
Rare testimony of the links between two major figures of the 20th century intellectual and literary world.

First edition, one of 450 numbered copies on Corsican paper.
A pleasant copy, despite the spine and covers being slightly and marginally toned, as often.

Second French edition, published one month after the first, with no copies printed on deluxe paper.

A handsome copy.

Inscribed, dated and signed by Elia Kazan to Jean-Pierre Damase.

First edition, illustrated with an allegorical frontispiece by Cazes engraved by Tardieu, a title vignette by Humblot repeated, and four repeated headpieces by the same artist, as well as a folding map of ancient Greece and a plate of medals. Title pages printed in red and black.
Contemporary full mottled and polished calf. Spine richly gilt in compartments. Red morocco title label, volume label in gilt-decorated brown calf. Losses to the headcaps of volumes I and III. Splits to the upper joints of volume I. In volume I, from pages 190 to 370, two small wormholes affect the upper margin; from page 371 onwards, these gradually develop into short tunnels, extending 1.5 cm along the upper margin near the fore-edge. The two flyleaves before the title page of volume I have been removed, the volume opening directly onto the title page. Generally clean, with occasional browning or faint foxing to a few leaves.

First edition.

Contemporary full mottled calf. Smooth spine richly gilt, with red morocco title label. Marbled edges. Three bumped corners. Small losses at foot of spine. One 3cm loss along the upper board near the hinge. Another loss to the lower board at the corner. Some surface abrasions, responsible for the losses. Three small wormholes along the lower hinge. A well-preserved, clean copy overall.

First edition printed in Marseille and illustrated with 20 steel engravings. Contemporary half hazel sheep binding. Smooth spine decorated with gilt fillets. Gilt title and volume numbers. Spine slightly faded. Minor rubbing. A well-preserved copy, with only occasional light foxing.

First edition, no deluxe copies printed.
Handsome copy.
Important presentation copy inscribed by Claude Lévi-Strauss to Jean-François Revel.
 

First edition, one of 1,500 copies printed on vellum paper, this one unnumbered.

A handsome copy.

Illustrated with a frontispiece by Jean Berque.

Exceptional full-page signed presentation inscription from Abel Bonnard to Hubert Lyautey, the first Resident-General of the French Protectorate in Morocco: "A monsieur le maréchal Lyautey, qui, marmi tant d'autres illustres, a aussi sauvé la beauté du Maroc. En respectueux hommage. Abel Bonnard."

First edition on ordinary paper, with a mention of the fourth edition.
Bradel binding in green almond half percaline, smooth spine slightly faded and decorated, gilt fillet at foot, brown shagreen label, marbled paper boards, original wrappers preserved, extremities very slightly rubbed, contemporary binding.
Inscribed and signed by Guy de Maupassant to Paul Hervieu.
 

First edition, one of the review copies.

A pleasant copy despite a repaired tear at the foot of one joint.

Inscribed and signed by Blaise Cendrars to Georges Le Cardonnel.

First edition. Title pages with the printer's sphere device.

Contemporary full brown calf bindings. Spines with raised bands, gilt decoration, and brown calf lettering and volume labels. Minor split at the top of the upper joint on volume 3. Loss to the foot of volume 1. Rubbing to the bindings. In the first volume, pale waterstain to the opening leaves, reappearing sporadically at the foot or outer margins throughout.

First edition, illustrated with an allegorical frontispiece and 34 half-page engravings by Sébastien Le Clerc.

Contemporary full red morocco binding with elaborate dentelle gilt decoration. Spine with raised bands, richly tooled in gilt with onion flower motifs. Red morocco title and volume labels. Wide gilt dentelle border on the covers, executed with small tools. Gilt edges. Headcaps, joints, and corners restored; gilt decoration on the headcaps renewed. Noteworthy: the engraving on p.125 has been printed in reverse.

Bookplate with the armorial bearings of Pierre de Laussat, apparently reaffixed to the front endpaper.

Partly original edition, enlarged with 7 additional chapters; this is the first complete edition.
Contemporary full brown calf binding. Spine with raised bands, richly gilt. Red morocco label. Small loss to head of upper joint. Three corners slightly rubbed. A good copy.
Manuscript ex-libris on title page: Denille.

First edition, one of 62 numbered copies on madagascar paper, deluxe copy.
Some light foxing affecting mainly the edges.
Half dark blue morocco binding, spine with five raised bands, cat's-eye paper boards, combed paper endpapers and pastedowns, original wrappers and spine preserved, top edge gilt, binding signed by Devauchelle.
Handsome copy beautifully executed.

First edition, one of the advance review copies.

Spine and covers slightly and marginally sunned, internally clean and well-preserved.
Work for which Patrick Modiano was awarded the "Prix Goncourt" in 1978.
Rare inscribed copy, signed by Patrick Modiano to Jean-François Revel.
 

First edition of the French translation, one of 150 numbered copies on pur fil, the only deluxe copies issued after 25 copies on Holland paper.

A fine copy with all edges untrimmed.

Second edition, partly original, with 14 poems appearing here for the first time.

Bound in fawn half morocco with corners, spine very slightly darkened without consequence, marbled paper boards, comb-marbled endpapers and pastedowns, original wrappers and spine preserved.

Illustrated with a frontispiece by Félicien Rops.

A handsome copy, attractively bound.

Original photograph depicting Emilio Visconti-Venosta in frontal view.

Contemporary silver print bearing, at the foot of the image, the blindstamp of Roman photographer Lorenzo Suscipj, a pioneer of photography in Italy.

Minor black specks to the surface of the photograph.

Mounted on a stiff card sheet printed with the photographer’s address.

A rare dated and signed autograph inscription by Emilio Visconti-Venosta to the verso: “À M Henri Fournier, souvenir d’un ami, E. Visconti-Venosta. Rome. 18 January 1877”.  ['To Mr Henri Fournier, a token from a friend, E. Visconti-Venosta. Rome, 18 January 1877.']

An influential Italian statesman, Emilio Visconti-Venosta played a significant role in the struggle for Italian unification. Appointed by Cavour as royal commissioner to Giuseppe Garibaldi, he later served as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
A fine portrait by a pioneer of Italian photography, depicting one of the founding figures of Italy’s independence and unity.

First edition.
Some foxing to spine and boards.

Precious dated and signed autograph inscription from Irène Delmas, president of the National Association of Former Female Deportees and Prisoners of the Resistance (ADIR): "A monsieur Massin avec l'amitié et la reconnaissance des Anciennes Déportées de la Résistance. IRDelmas Présidente de l'ADIR. Paris 13 Novembre 1957." (To Mr. Massin with the friendship and gratitude of the Former Female Deportees of the Resistance. IRDelmas President of ADIR. Paris 13 November 1957.)

Our copy is exceptionally enhanced with the signatures of several members of the editorial committee of the Association of Female Deportees and Prisoners of the Resistance or former deportees to Ravensbrück camp including: Geneviève Anthonioz De Gaulle and Catherine Goetschel-Franquinet.

First edition - only published issue of this journal of the Resistance.
Minor rubbing at head and foot of spine, slight tears in margins of covers.
Anonymous texts by Claude Bourdet, Maurice Clavel, Jean-Louis Curtis, Yves Gandon, Flavien Monod and Maximilien Vox, who was the magazine's director.
This single issue was put together between December 1943 and March 1944, but La Revue noire could not be published during the Occupation. The final press proof was given on 15 February 1944 and the imprint is dated 15 February 1945.
A rare and pleasant copy.

Autograph letter signed, addressed to his friend Thierry Maulnier, 14 lines in blue ink on Revue universelle letterhead, concerning an article soon to be published and requesting another one in response to Pierre Drieu la Rochelle.

Henri Massis, editor-in-chief of the journal, summarizes the situation for his friend: "Votre \"Réveil de l'héroïsme ? \" passe dans le n° du 1er février. Je crois qu'il serait intéressant de répondre à l'article que Drieu la Rochelle a publié, ce matin, dans les Nouvelles littéraires. Qu'en pensez-vous ? Donnez-moi cela pour le n+ du 15... L'heure du déjeuner (vers une heure) est la plus propice pour notre rendez-vous."

The Revue universelle, a monarchist-leaning periodical, was founded by Jacques Bainville and Henri Massis.

Autograph letter signed, addressed to his friend Thierry Maulnier, 26 lines in blue ink on letterhead of the Revue universelle, in which he urges him to contribute an article on André Gide's political stance.

Henri Massis, editor-in-chief of the journal, presses his friend: "Il me faudrait très rapidement votre prochaine chronique. Il me semble qu'il y aurait quelque chose à tirer de l'article de Ramon Fernandez sur l'évolution d'André Gide dans la N.R.F. du 1er juillet". Il faudrait saisir ce qui concerne proprement Gide pour s'attacher à certaines réflexions sur le socialisme., le marxisme ou à une phrase comme celle-ci qui mériterait quelques commentaire : "Les jeunes gens d'aujourd'hui (dont Gide est soucieux de ne point se désolidariser) vont à la révolution comme leurs aînés de 1914 allaient à la guerre..."

The Revue universelle, a monarchist-leaning publication, was founded by Jacques Bainville and Henri Massis.

Autograph letter, dated and signed, addressed to Thierry Maulnier: 16 lines written in violet ink on a sheet bearing the letterhead of Éditions Charlot in Paris, concerning his book "La vallée heureuse".

"Paris le 24 dec.46,

Mon cher Thierry Maulnier,

c'est bien de la guerre industrielle qu'il s'agit dans la Vallée heureuse et vous l'avez parfaitement compris. Je m'en console en lisant Blaise de Montluc qui se plaignait déjà de l'invention de l'arquebuse, l'innocent ! Merci de tout coeur de ce que vous avez écrit dans Concorde. J'en suis profondément touché, et surtout heureux que mon livre ait établi le contact entre nous. Je veillerai à ce qu'il ne s erompe pas. Croyez-moi, cher Thierry Maulnier, bien affectueusement à vous. Jules Roy."

First French edition of the translation, with no copies printed on deluxe paper.

A handsome copy complete with its illustrated dust jacket, which shows minor tears to the head of the spine and panels.

The book was adapted for the screen in 2006 by Tom Tykwer, starring Ben Whishaw and Dustin Hoffman.

Edition regarded as the masterpiece of the painter and engraver Charles Eisen, and a counterfeit of the famed Fermiers généraux edition.

This edition is illustrated with 2 engraved frontispieces by Vidal, 2 title vignettes, 1 portrait after Hyacinthe Rigaud, along with 80 plates and 43 tailpieces. One engraving is unfortunately missing from our copy, which contains 79 engravings instead of 80.

A few minor spots, not affecting the text.

Bound in contemporary full green morocco, flat spines slightly sunned, decorated with double gilt fillets and gilt floral and typographic motifs, red morocco lettering-pieces and volume labels, gilt roll tooling at head and tail, light rubbing to joints, triple gilt fillet frames on boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, gilt borders on pastedowns, gilt fillets on board edges, all edges gilt. Roman bookseller’s labels affixed to the pastedowns. Contemporary bindings.

A handsome copy, bound in contemporary full morocco, of La Fontaine's tales superbly illustrated by Charles-Dominique-Joseph Eisen.

Autograph letter signed to a friend named Alfred, 18 lines in black ink on a bifolium, in which the author urges him to help find employment for his brother, applying insistent pressure on his correspondent.

"Mon cher Alfred,
vous avez été excellent pour mon frère ... Il faut absolument qu'on le place. il est père de famille et sans emploi depuis un an. - Il y a 20 places qui auraient encore plus besoin de lui qu'il n'a besoin d'elles. Demandez formellement à votre illustre père un appui efficace et immédiat - pour un homme capable ... Votre père sera heureux de trouver une occasion de rendre service en rendant justice où je ne le connais pas. Tout à vous. Alph. Karr."

Fierce autograph letter signed, addressed to Jacques Chardonne—though not named—comprising 30 lines in black ink on letterhead of the journal Le Nouveau Fémina, concerning cultural life and current political affairs.

Folding marks inherent to mailing, a black ink stain not affecting the text, and two small holes: the first causing the loss of one letter—the second "e" in Hecquet; the second resulting in the loss of the word "il".

"Les dernières lettres sont épatantes. Et courtes, comme il fallait pour ne pas trop s'éloigner du drame. Les oeuvres complètes de Léon Blum vont paraître chez Albin Michel. On va voir. Anatole de Monzie, homme d'une très belle intelligence n'a rien écrit de fameux. Aujourd'hui, le moins ignare s'appelle Ramadier (Paul Ramadier, several times a minister after the Liberation) Il n'a pas été réélu. C'est un franc-maçon acharné. Mendès-France est un marchand de cravates me dit Stephen Hecqu[e]t. [Il] faut supprimer son nom de ma dernière lettre (celle qui est si longue, où je parle des hommes politiques susceptibles d'écrire). A bientôt. Roger Nimier."

Autograph letter, dated and signed, sent from Toulon to his friend Pierre Louÿs, four pages penned in violet ink on a bifolium.

Folding crease from mailing, manuscript envelope included.

Through this correspondence, Claude Farrère reproaches his friend for deepening his sadness and distress: "Votre petite lettre de l'autre jour m'a très bien fait comprendre que vous avez dix mille ennuis en ce moment. Et vous en ajoutez un de plus, pour m'envoyer plus vite cette bêtise à laquelle je ne songeais pas du tout , Pourquoi, encore ! Je suis votre ami, enfin ! Et je vous jure que cela m'a fait de la peine, de songer que j'avais involontairement augmenté cette fois vos embêtements."

He longs to express the depth of his friendship: "Surtout, je vous en suplie, n'oubliez pas ceci : que mon meilleur jour sera celui où vous me permettrez de vous rendre un vrai service... ne l'oubliez jamais, je vous en supplie."

Claude Farrère recalls a Christmas Eve filled with female quarrels: "A propos, réveillon d'une gaieté inouïe, ici - on en aurait pleuré... Vers minuit, on a soupé sur des nattes, après scission en deux bandes, scission nécessitée par le dissentiment de deux de ces dames, dont chacune 'n'était un société' pour l'autre. Du côté où j'étais resté, ça a failli recommencé entre deux autres, - la célèbre Edith et la belliqueuse Lulu, - toutes deux ayant constaté que je m'étais permis d'embrasser l'une et l'autre. L'orage s'apaisa cependant."

Autograph letter signed, addressed to his friend Pierre Louÿs from Toulon, 16 lines written in violet ink, expressing concern about a mutual friend nicknamed Augusto, almost certainly Auguste Gilbert de Voisins.

Folding crease from mailing, envelope enclosed. A handsome copy.

"Friday,

my dear friend, it's mail time. Quickly, quickly! I received your telegram this morning and have replied. Your opening words were very sweet to me. Thank you. I'm forwarding you a letter from Augusto. It frightened me terribly. I’ll telegraph you as soon as I know more. Yours with all my heart. C.B."

Autograph letter signed by Jean-Jacques Henner to his friend Castagnary, 18 lines in black ink on a bifolium.

The letter is almost entirely devoid of punctuation.

A date written in violet ink, likely indicating when the recipient received the letter.

"Mon cher ami,

votre très aimable invitation m'est arrivée malheureusement un peu en retard vous aviez l'adressé place Clichy au lieu de place Pigalle et à mon grand regret je ne suis pas libre j'en suis désolé vous savez tout le plaisir que j'ai a venir chez vous soyez donc mon interprète auprès de madame Castagnary et excusez moi. Votre tout  dévoué JJHenner."

First edition, no copies printed on deluxe paper. This copy bears the resale dust jacket from Robert Marin, with the new publisher’s label mounted to the foot of the title page.
The spine is cracked and has undergone repairs, with a tear at the foot of one joint; internally clean given the inherent fragility of the poor-quality paper used.
 
 
« Il n'y a pas d'espèces humaines, il y a une espèce humaine. C'est parce que nous sommes des hommes comme eux que les S.S. seront en définitive impuissants devant nous. »
 
This seminal work on the Nazi concentration camps was the third and final publication of the short-lived publishing house founded by Marguerite Duras and Robert Antelme, her husband from 1940 to 1946.
Initially overlooked at the time of its discreet release—with only a few copies sold—it was redistributed the following year under new covers by Robert Marin. The book suffered from the influx of postwar writings on the subject. And yet, as F. Lebelley observed, « à une époque où les récits abondent, la puissance particulière de ce livre-là, d'une sobriété première, bouleverse tel un texte fondateur. Livre d'écrivain aussi qui a pris, reconnaît Duras, 'le large de la littérature'. Robert Antelme n'en écrira jamais d'autre. Malgré les éloges et les honneurs, L'Espèce humaine restera l'œuvre unique d'une vie » (in Duras, ou le Poids d'une plume).
 
Thanks to the intervention of Albert Camus, the book was republished in 1957 by Gallimard, and finally reached a wider readership.
 
It has since been recognised as one of the most important literary works to grapple with the harrowing but necessary reflection on the concentration camps and the human condition. It paved the way for writers such as his friend Jorge Semprun to begin forging a new path in writing about the unspeakable.
 
As early as 1947, Antelme wrote in his foreword: « nous revenions juste, nous ramenions avec nous notre mémoire, notre expérience toute vivante et nous éprouvions un désir frénétique de la dire telle quelle. Et, dès les premiers jours cependant, il nous paraissait impossible de combler la distance que nous découvrions entre le langage dont nous disposions et cette expérience. [...] Comment nous résigner à ne pas tenter d'expliquer comment nous en étions venus là?? Nous y étions encore. Et cependant c'é_

First edition, one of 45 numbered copies on pur fil, the only copies printed on deluxe paper.

A handsome copy.

New edition, illustrated with drawings by de Neuville and Benett.
Publisher’s gilt-pictorial cloth binding known as “à un éléphant, titre dans l’éventail”, with Engel’s signature at the foot of the front cover plaque, spine featuring a lighthouse, rear cover of type “i” as defined by Jauzac, all edges gilt.
Headcaps very slightly compressed, faint trace of a removed label to the verso of the front board.
A handsome copy.
Le Tour du monde en quatre-vingts jours is an adventure novel. It tells the story of an English gentleman, Phileas Fogg, who wagers he can travel around the world_

Fine autograph letter, dated and signed, addressed to his friend Pierre Louÿs; 7 pages in violet ink on two bifolia, with the original envelope preserved.

Folds from original mailing.

Soon to be on leave from the Moroccan Expeditionary Corps, Claude Farrère announces to his friend his imminent return to France following an Andalusian journey: "je pendrai au plus tardle train du 4 juin, à Algéciras ; lequel train, après escales à Grenade, Cordoue, Séville et Tolède, me déposera, le 11 au matin, à Toulon - Voilà !"

He mentions a book that struck him and evokes two women: "feuilletez, vous comprendrez l'in térêt que j'attache au cas, intérêt tout à fait analogue à celui que vous inspire une jeune personne à ui je vais dédier mon prochain conte au journal intitulé : 'sur le Boul' Mad'... La préface du bouquin en question est un chef d'oeuvre d' (je ne sais pas de quoi ! Fichtre ! On va bien, de nos jours... [...] voyez-vous qu'on publiât des histoires comme ça sur notre... dos- quatre ans après notre mort ???"

Claude Farrère ironically comments on his literary and epistolary activity shared with his friend: "J'aurais tellement besoin de regarder vos Hok'saï avant d'écrire certaines pages de mon sale bouquin ! ... Mon Maroc n'est pas du temps perdu. Je l'ai considéré comme dix mois de travail forcé. Et je vous en rapporte un manuscrit qui en est aujourd'hui à sa 392e pages, - qui toutes ensemble ne valent pas une ligne de Psyché !"

His rebellious and independent spirit draws suspicion from the military establishment: "Votre lettre datée du 8 mai, ne m'est arrivée qu'hier 18. J'ai lieu de croire que ma correspondance est très surveillée depuis quelque temps."

Autograph note signed by Caran d'Ache to a lady friend, 18 lines in pencil on a bifolium, with each letter written in uppercase.

Tears repaired with adhesive patches, minor loss to corners not affecting the text.

"Admirable madame ! Grandpierre & non Dampierre est votre proche voisin rue d'Offemont. Je me traîne à vos pieds heureux de baiser la pointe de vos pieds. Caran d'Ache."

The rue d'Offemont, located in the Plaine Monceau district, is now known as rue Henri Rochefort.

First edition, printed in 105 copies on Rives wove paper, this copy being one of the 60 with an original etching signed in pencil by Annie Proszynska.

Colophon signed in pencil by both Guy Rohou and Annie Proszynska.

Illustrated with 15 original etchings by Annie Proszynska, including a frontispiece, a full-page plate, a double-page plate, and 12 in-text illustrations.

A fine copy, complete with its original Siena moiré cloth chemise and slipcase.

First edition of the retrospective exhibition catalogue of 109 works by George Bottini, held at Galerie L. Dru from 15 April to 8 May 1926.

Minor foxing to the front cover, not affecting legibility.

Text by Adolphe Tabarant.

A rare and appealing copy.

Catalogue for the exhibition of 28 works by Edouard Vuillard held at Galerie Bernheim Jeune & Cie from Monday 13 to Saturday 25 February 1911.

Three light halos along the left margin of the upper cover, and a small tear along the right margin of the lower cover.

Illustrated catalogue featuring 3 reproductions of works by Edouard Vuillard.

Rare.

First deluxe large octavo edition illustrated by George Roux.
Publisher’s pictorial binding by Hetzel signed Engel, known as "type 4 globe" design, with "lighthouse" spine and lower cover of Engel "i" type as per Jauzac, all edges gilt.
Original blue endpapers marginally faded, as usual; headcaps very slightly compressed; some foxing at the beginning and end of the volume.
Sequel to Robur le conquérant, Maître du monde recounts Robur’s return to civilization aboard an amphibious vehicle.
Un drame en Livonie is a detective novel centred on the story of an innocent man accused of a murder he did not commit in Livonia.

Exhibition catalogue of the 43 works by Kees Van Dongen shown at the Galerie Bernheim Jeune from Tuesday, March 1 to Wednesday, March 9, 1921.

Illustrated catalogue with 5 reproductions of Van Dongen's works.

Ink annotations on the verso of the front wrapper, the title page, and continuing on the final two pages of the catalogue, regarding a painting by the artist. Minor, usual rust marks around the staples.

Rare.

First edition, untrimmed with wide margins, very rare and highly sought-after (see Clouzot, "Le manuel du bibliophile français", p. 257).

Some occasional foxing.

Illustrated on the title pages of both volumes with two engraved vignettes by Porrêt. This copy contains the publisher’s notice leaf in the first volume and the author’s note leaf in the second volume.

Contemporary red half calf over marbled boards, calf corners, spines ruled in gilt with double gilt panels decorated with typographic gilt tooling, black calf title and volume labels, some minor rubbing to joints, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, lower corners a bit worn, bookplate pasted on the front pastedown of volume one, contemporary bindings.

A very rare and desirable copy, entirely untrimmed and preserved in a handsome contemporary binding - an even rarer feature. As noted by Clouzot: "les reliures de l'époque sont le plus souvent assez simples. Donc ne pas se montrer difficile sur la qualité."  ['Contemporary bindings are most often rather plain; one should not be overly particular regarding their quality.']

First edition of the catalogue listing 58 works by Henri Matisse exhibited at Galerie Bernheim Jeune & Cie from October 15 to November 6, 1920.

Upper cover slightly faded along the left margin, printed stamp to upper left corner of the verso of the front cover, otherwise a rare and attractive copy.

Illustrated catalogue featuring 19 reproductions of the artist's works.

Introductory text by Charles Vildrac.

First edition of the exhibition catalogue for 21 recent works by Pierre Bonnard, shown at the Galerie Bernheim from 19 May to 7 June 1913.

Catalogue illustrated with 10 reproductions of works by Pierre Bonnard.

Rare and handsome copy.

First edition, one of 41 numbered copies on Hollande paper, the leading issue.

A fine copy.

First text: first edition, with no copies issued on deluxe paper; second text: first edition in part.

Publisher's full grey cloth binding, flat spine, complete with the original dust jacket.

Illustrated with photographs by Tony Armstrong-Jones.

A small stain to the lower part of the front endpaper, otherwise a pleasing copy.

Inscribed and signed by Paul Morand: "A maître Chérier, ce tunnel sous la manche, très fidèlement Morand."

True first edition, with no deluxe paper copies issued.

Half red morocco over marbled boards, corners in morocco, spine with five raised bands adorned with gilt fillets and double gilt compartments, date stamped in gilt at foot, minor rubbing to the bands, gilt fillet border on the marbled paper boards, comb-marbled endpapers and pastedowns, original wrappers and backstrip with a few minor losses preserved, a light scratch to an upper corner, contemporary binding signed by C. Septier.

Inscribed by one of the authors on the half-title page, to Marcel Gropiot.

A handsome copy attractively bound in a period binding for this work, which was awarded the Prix Goncourt upon its first reissue in 1906.

First edition, one of 50 numbered copies on Japan paper, ours not numbered but printed for the publisher, a copy from the deluxe issue.

Half black morocco binding, spine with five raised bands, date gilt-stamped at foot, moiré paper sides, endpapers and pastedowns, original wrappers and spine preserved, top edge gilt, binding signed in blind by Ch. Septier.

Illustrated with 21 hors-texte engravings by Daniel Vierge, along with numerous in-text black-and-white engravings.

Our copy, as with all copies on Japan paper, includes the hors-texte engravings in two states.

A handsome and finely bound copy.

First edition on ordinary paper.

Spine creased as often, otherwise a pleasant copy.

Illustrated.

Inscribed and signed by Jean Marais to Madame Romanini.

First edition on ordinary paper.

Small loss and a stain to the lower left margin of the lower cover, folding marks to the right margin of the upper cover.

Preface by Jacques Laurent.

Inscribed and signed by Antoine Blondin: "Pour Philippe Patrice Cazenave leur ami Antoine Blondin".

Autograph letter dated and signed by Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen, 30 lines in black ink, written from his Montmartre residence at 21 rue Caulaincourt, addressed to his friends the Lefèvres.

Folding marks inherent to mailing, minor marginal tears.

The painter inquires after the health of Madame Lefèvre, who was unwell at the time, and asks his correspondent to see that everything is put in order at their house in Saint Ay, where his wife and model Massia would soon be staying.

Steinlen is held back in Paris: "Pour moi, je ne se sais trop ce que je ferai, en tout cas, je ne puis quitter Paris avant le 15 - d'ici là des évènements peuvent survenir qui me bloqueront ici... ou ailleurs - s'ils ne s'arrangent pas de la façon que je souhaite St Ay ne me verra pas cette année..."

Original black and white photograph depicting Maurice Druon in his Académie Française regalia.

A fine copy. Enclosed is the handwritten envelope addressed to the recipient by Maurice Druon.

Inscribed and signed by Maurice Druon in blue ink in the right margin of the photograph: "Avec mes meilleurs souhaits Druon."

Provenance: from the collection of the noted autograph collector Claude Armand.