Le stratagème - Nouvelle tirée des Mémoires inédits de Sylvestre Bonnard

Unique copy printed on vellum and numbered 1, the deluxe issue of this very rare first edition, limited to 25 numbered copies.

Printer's proof stamp on the half-title: "E. Capiomont & Cie imprimeurs. 37, rue de Seine, Paris 30Janvier 188. Epreuve"

Full chocolate-brown morocco, spine very slightly faded with four raised bands, date and the word "Épreuves" lettered in gilt at foot, gilt rolls to headcaps, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, pastedowns framed with six gilt fillets, original wrappers preserved, top edge gilt, double gilt fillets to board edges, bookplate pasted to one pastedown; matching chocolate-brown morocco-edged slipcase with marbled-paper sides and grey felt lining. A magnificent binding signed R. Aussourd.

Provenance: from the prestigious library of the distinguished bibliophile Dr Lucien-Graux, with his bookplate pasted to one pastedown.

A very rare and fine copy from the deluxe issue, superbly bound by René Aussourd.