Paris (France)

Patrick MODIANO
La Ronde de Nuit
Gallimard|Paris 1969|12 x 19 cm|broché
First edition of which no deluxe copies were printed, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Spine partially sunned as usual.
Precious and rare signed autograph inscription from Patrick Modiano on his second work: "Pour Dominique Aury en respectueux hommage. Modiano."
Dominique Aury is not only the secret author of the scandalous Histoire d'O published under the pseudonym Pauline Réage. She is above all, since 1953, the influential secretary general of the NRF alongside Jean Paulhan and Marcel Arland and one of the principal readers on the Reading Committee of Editions Gallimard.
Just 24 years old, the future Nobel Prize winner in Literature thus addresses his second novel to one of the historic figures of French publishing, and discrete author of the greatest erotic novel of the 20th century.

€2,500
Patrick MODIANO
Les Boulevards de ceinture
Gallimard|Paris 1972|14 x 20.50 cm|broché
First edition of which no deluxe copies were printed and retaining the correct imprint, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Handsome copy.

€500
Pierre BENOIT
Les amours mortes
Albin Michel|Paris 1961|14 x 21.50 cm|broché
First edition, one of 70 numbered copies on Holland paper, deluxe issue.
A small black stain on the spine.
Handsome full-margined copy.
€250
André MALRAUX (to Roger NIMIER)
Lettre tapuscrite signée d'André Malraux à Roger Nimier
S. n.|Paris 8 Décembre 1951|13.50 x 21 cm|une page sur une feuille
Typed letter signed by André Malraux to Roger Nimier sent from his home in Boulogne, Malraux's signature at the bottom of the letter in blue ink.
A small tear in the right margin of the letter, crease marks inherent to folding for mailing.
André Malraux shows himself in perfect agreement with Roger Nimier regarding a joint project also including journalist André Parinaud.
€150
André MALRAUX (to Roger NIMIER)
Lettre tapuscrite signée du ministre de l'Information André Malraux à Roger Nimier à propos de formalités administratives incombant à son ministère
S. n.|Paris 8 Janvier 1946|21 x 27 cm|une page sur une feuille + une enveloppe
Typed letter signed by André Malraux to Roger Nimier on Ministry of Information letterhead, Malraux's signature at the bottom of the letter in black ink.
Fold mark inherent to posting; envelope with typewritten address included, Ministry of Information stamp.
André Malraux responds to Roger Nimier regarding administrative matters concerning the Ministry of Information directed by André Malraux from November 21, 1945 to January 26, 1946 in the government presided over by Charles De Gaulle.
€150
Pierre BENOIT, Paul MORAND
Aréthuse
Albin Michel|Paris 1963|14 x 20 cm|broché
First edition, one of 45 numbered copies on Holland paper, deluxe copy.
Very handsome full-margined copy.
Preface by Paul Morand, afterword by Kléber Haedens.
€250
Élie WIESEL
Les juges
Seuil|Paris 1999|14 x 20.50 cm|broché
First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Handsome copy.
Autograph inscription signed by Elie Wiesel to Catherine David: "... car je me rappelle un petit-déjeuner si lointain..." ["for I remember such a distant breakfast..."]
Novelist, essayist, literary critic, pianist, Catherine David was a pioneer of ideas journalism at Le Nouvel Observateur. Laurent Joffrin, former director of the newspaper, offered this beautiful funeral tribute in the January 4, 2023 issue: "... Her passions were eclectic, from music to tai chi, from philosophy to hybrid disciplines, at the crossroads of science and spirituality. Her books bear this mark, a brilliant variation on movement (la Beauté du geste), an essay on Simone Signoret, a spirited biography of Pico della Mirandola, the man of all knowledge, and several volumes of interviews with Stephen Jay Gould, Jean Delumeau, Hubert Reeves or Christiane Desroches Noblecourt.
Such an itinerary could have created an irritating character, Saint-Germain-des-Prés style, floating above ordinary mortals in the limbo of thought and intellectual-chic society. Catherine was quite the opposite, a good friend, living with simplicity and camaraderie, cultivating the art of being a grandmother, with laughter and watchful attention..."
€200
Élie WIESEL
Le temps des déracinés
Seuil|Paris 2003|14 x 20.50 cm|broché
First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Handsome copy complete with its illustrated dust jacket.
Autograph inscription signed by Elie Wiesel to Catherine David: "... en souvenir d'une rencontre lointaine..." ["in memory of a distant encounter..."]
Novelist, essayist, literary critic, pianist, Catherine David was a pioneer of ideas journalism at Le Nouvel Observateur. Laurent Joffrin, former director of the newspaper, offered this beautiful funeral tribute in the January 4, 2023 issue: "... Her passions were eclectic, from music to tai chi, from philosophy to hybrid disciplines, at the crossroads of science and spirituality. Her books bear this mark, a brilliant variation on movement (la Beauté du geste), an essay on Simone Signoret, a spirited biography of Pico della Mirandola, the man of all knowledge, and several volumes of interviews with Stephen Jay Gould, Jean Delumeau, Hubert Reeves or Christiane Desroches Noblecourt.
Such an itinerary could have created an irritating character, Saint-Germain-des-Prés style, floating above ordinary mortals in the limbo of thought and intellectual-chic society. Catherine was quite the opposite, a good friend, living with simplicity and camaraderie, cultivating the art of being a grandmother, with laughter and watchful attention..."
€200
Élie WIESEL
Un désir fou de danser
Seuil|Paris 2006|14 x 20.50 cm|broché
First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Handsome copy with the illustrated dust jacket.
Signed autograph inscription by Elie Wiesel to Catherine David on a piece of paper pasted on the half-title page.
Novelist, essayist, literary critic, pianist, Catherine David was a pioneer of opinion journalism at Le Nouvel Observateur. Laurent Joffrin, former editor of the newspaper, offering this fine funeral tribute in the January 4, 2023 issue: "... Her passions are eclectic, from music to tai chi, from philosophy to hybrid disciplines, at the frontiers of science and spirituality. Her books bear this mark, a brilliant variation on movement (la Beauté du geste), an essay on Simone Signoret, a spirited biography of Pico della Mirandola, the man of all knowledge, and several volumes of interviews with Stephen Jay Gould, Jean Delumeau, Hubert Reeves or Christiane Desroches Noblecourt.
Such an itinerary could have composed an irritating character, germanopratin, floating above ordinary mortals in the limbo of thought and intellectual chic worldliness. Catherine was quite the opposite, a good friend, living in simplicity and camaraderie, cultivating the art of being a grandmother, in laughter and vigilant attention..."
€200
Jacqueline de ROMILLY
Dans le jardin des mots
Editions de Fallois|Paris 2007|15.50 x 22.50 cm|broché
First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Handsome copy.
Signed and inscribed by the Immortal Jacqueline de Romilly to Catherine David: "... afin de jouer avec les mots et avec mon bon fidèle souvenir." ["...to play with words and with my good faithful memory."]
Novelist, essayist, literary critic, pianist, Catherine David was a pioneer of opinion journalism at Le Nouvel Observateur. Laurent Joffrin, former editor of the newspaper, offering this fine funeral tribute in the January 4, 2023 issue: "... Her passions are eclectic, from music to tai chi, from philosophy to hybrid disciplines, at the frontiers of science and spirituality. Her books bear this mark, a brilliant variation on movement (la Beauté du geste), an essay on Simone Signoret, a spirited biography of Pico della Mirandola, the man of all knowledge, and several volumes of interviews with Stephen Jay Gould, Jean Delumeau, Hubert Reeves or Christiane Desroches Noblecourt.
Such an itinerary could have composed an irritating character, germanopratin, floating above ordinary mortals in the limbo of thought and intellectual chic worldliness. Catherine was quite the opposite, a good friend, living in simplicity and camaraderie, cultivating the art of being a grandmother, in laughter and vigilant attention..."

€100
André COMTE-SPONVILLE
L'esprit de l'athéisme - Introduction à une spiritualité sans dieu
Albin Michel|Paris 2006|14.50 x 22.50 cm|broché
First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Handsome copy.
Dated and signed autograph inscription from André Comte-Sponville to Catherine David.
Novelist, essayist, literary critic, pianist, Catherine David was a pioneer of intellectual journalism at Le Nouvel Observateur. Laurent Joffrin, former director of the newspaper, offered this beautiful funeral eulogy in the January 4, 2023 issue: "... Her passions were eclectic, from music to tai chi chuan, from philosophy to hybrid disciplines, at the boundaries of science and spirituality. Her books bear this mark: a brilliant variation on movement (la Beauté du geste), an essay on Simone Signoret, a spirited biography of Pico della Mirandola, the man of all knowledge, and several volumes of interviews with Stephen Jay Gould, Jean Delumeau, Hubert Reeves or Christiane Desroches Noblecourt.
Such a path could have composed an irritating character, Saint-Germain-des-Prés style, floating above ordinary mortals in the limbo of thought and intellectual-chic worldliness. Catherine was quite the opposite, a good friend, living with simplicity and camaraderie, cultivating the art of being a grandmother, with laughter and vigilant attention..."
€150
Philippe SOLLERS
Illuminations à travers les textes sacrés
Robert Laffont|Paris 2003|13.50 x 21.50 cm|broché
First edition on ordinary paper.
Handsome copy, iconography.
Signed autograph inscription from Philippe Sollers to Catherine David.
Novelist, essayist, literary critic, pianist, Catherine David was a pioneer of intellectual journalism at Le Nouvel Observateur. Laurent Joffrin, former director of the newspaper, offered this beautiful funeral eulogy in the January 4, 2023 issue: "... Her passions were eclectic, from music to tai chi chuan, from philosophy to hybrid disciplines, at the boundaries of science and spirituality. Her books bear this mark: a brilliant variation on movement (la Beauté du geste), an essay on Simone Signoret, a spirited biography of Pico della Mirandola, the man of all knowledge, and several volumes of interviews with Stephen Jay Gould, Jean Delumeau, Hubert Reeves or Christiane Desroches Noblecourt.
Such a path could have composed an irritating character, Saint-Germain-des-Prés style, floating above ordinary mortals in the limbo of thought and intellectual-chic worldliness. Catherine was quite the opposite, a good friend, living with simplicity and camaraderie, cultivating the art of being a grandmother, with laughter and vigilant attention..."
€100
Francis VIELÉ-GRIFFIN
"... seuls les médiocres, ceux du Parnasse sont exclus de ma bibliothèque..."
Autograph note, dated and signed, addressed to Edouard Ducoté evoking his favorite poets and his readings
S. n.|s. l. • (Paris) 14 Décembre 1901|14.50 x 9.50 cm|une page
Autograph note signed by Francis Viélé-Griffin (13 lines in black ink from his Parisian residence on Quai de Passy) addressed to Edouard Ducoté, poet, bibliophile and director of the review l'Ermitage since 1895.
The note is written on cardboard bristol paper.
He lists his favorite poets while ironically commenting, in a slightly condescending manner, on his less "noble" reading: "... I therefore reread by preference Vigny, Lamartine, Verlaine and Laforgue; but I do not forbid myself the bad poets of whom I am particularly fond..." while disdaining and castigating: "... only the mediocre ones, those of the Parnasse, are excluded from my library..."
Close friend of Stéphane Mallarmé, friend of André Gide, Paul Valéry, Francis Jammes, Emile Verhaeren, Francis Viélé-Griffin is an American symbolist poet writing in French. He becomes, with Gustave Kahn, one of the principal theorists of free verse.
€180
Théodore de BANVILLE
Lettre autographe signée à un confrère écrivain afin d'entretenir la mémoire du poète Philoxène Boyer en faisant publier l'une de ses oeuvres
S. n.|s. l. • (Paris) 15 Décembre 1867|13.50 x 21 cm|deux pages et demi
Autograph letter dated and signed by Théodore de Banville (26 lines in black ink from Paris) concerning the publication of a work by his friend the poet Philoxène Boyer recently deceased.
Fold marks inherent to mailing.
Théodore de Banville sends his correspondent a list of Philoxène Boyer's works: "... this list doesn't look like much, and seems a rather heterogeneous composition..." and hopes that his friend and colleague will be influential enough to have one of the deceased poet's works published: "...these are seriously beautiful pages, which do not even lack unity, as it is given to them by the poet's thought..."

€300
Denis MARION
La méthode intellectuelle d'Edgar Poe
Les Editions de Minuit|Paris 1952|12 x 18.50 cm|broché
First edition in volume, one of 30 numbered copies, the only deluxe copies with a few hors commerce copies.
Rare and fine copy.

€150
Jean-Claude PIGUET
Les gitans
Les Editions de Minuit|Paris 1954|12 x 19 cm|broché
First edition, one of 20 numbered copies on alfama paper, the only deluxe copies.
Two small light stains on the first cover.
Rare and handsome copy

€250
Lucciola KOECHLIN
L'agenda
Les Editions de Minuit|Paris 1962|10.50 x 19 cm|broché
First edition, one of 17 numbered copies on pure laid paper, deluxe copy.
Small light spots of no consequence on the back cover.
Rare and handsome copy.
€150
François COPPÉE
"... c'est décidément un vieil homme, et un vieux malade qui vous prie d'agréer mes respectueuses et très vives sympathies.."
Autograph letter signed to Marthe Daudet
S. n.|s. l. • (Paris) s. d. [circa 1905]|11.50 x 18 cm|une page
Autograph letter dated and signed by François Coppée (17 lines in black ink) to Marthe Daudet, wife of his young friend Léon.
Fold marks inherent to the mailing.
François Coppée apologizes for not being able to see his correspondent who had come to visit him and gladly accepts her invitation to dine soon: "... I have great desire to accept although I spend my time declining invitations, for I continue to be in poor health..."

€150
Gustave CHARPENTIER
Lettre autographe datée et signée à propos d'une solennité musicale devant être jouée après l'inauguration d'un monument consacré à Ludwig van Beethoven
S. n.|s. l. • (Paris) Juillet 1927|11.50 x 18 cm|une page
Autograph letter dated and signed by Gustave Charpentier (14 lines in black ink) regarding musical pieces to be performed after the inauguration of a monument commemorating Ludwig van Beethoven
Traces of folding inherent to postal delivery, a filing number in blue felt-tip pen in the lower right corner of the letter.
The composer seeks: "... pour des sonneries de trompettes ou de cors... des thèmes, bien caractéristiques, assez courts, pris dans les oeuvres du maître..." ["... for trumpet or horn fanfares... themes, quite characteristic, fairly short, taken from the master's works..."], for this he asks for help from a composer friend: "... pourrais-tu faire un voyage dans ta mémoire et m'envoyer quelques tuyaux ?" ["... could you take a journey through your memory and send me some tips?"]

€150
Edouard BLED
Mes écoles
Robert Laffont|Paris 1977|15.50 x 24 cm|broché
The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Light foxing of no consequence affecting the bottom edges.
Rare and handsome signed autograph inscription from Edouard Bled to Jean Gardyn: "cette histoire d'une famille semblable à beaucoup d'autres tant nos vies suivent les mêmes chemins. Ces évocations où un passé encore proche côtoie un aujourd'hui déja enfui..." ["this story of a family similar to many others as our lives follow the same paths. These evocations where a still recent past mingles with a today already fled..."]
Edouard Bled is a union activist and schoolteacher author of the very famous spelling textbooks that shaped our studies.
€150
Charles-Henri HIRSCH
Eva Tumarche, baronne
Flammarion|Paris 1923|13.50 x 19.50 cm|relié
First edition, one of 10 numbered copies on Holland paper, the only deluxe copies.
Half red morocco binding with corners, spine with five raised bands slightly browned, one band with a small scratch, gilt date at foot, gilt fillet frame on marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, covers and spine preserved, top edge gilt retaining deckled edges, elegant unsigned binding.
Handsome copy attractively bound.
€150
Francis JAMMES
Monsieur le curé d'Ozeron
Mercure de France|Paris 1918|11.50 x 18.50 cm|relié
First edition printed on ordinary paper.
Full almond-green cloth binding, smooth spine, green shagreen title-label, marbled paper endpapers and pastedowns, modest binding.
Precious signed autograph inscription by Francis Jammes: "ALéon Daudet, à madame Léon Daudet bien cordial hommage. FJammes." ["To Léon Daudet, to Madame Léon Daudet with warm regards. F. Jammes."]
€120
Bruno GAY-LUSSAC
Mécanique sans repos
Gallimard|Paris 1987|11.50 x 21 cm|broché
First edition, one of 20 numbered copies on pure rag vellum from Rives, the only deluxe copies.
Two bookplates pasted on an endpaper.
Handsome copy.

€100
Alain BOSQUET
Le livre du doute et de la grâce
Gallimard|Paris 1977|15 x 22 cm|broché
First edition, one of 20 numbered copies on Arches vellum, the only deluxe copies.
Very handsome copy.
Two bookplates pasted on the first endpaper.
Autograph inscription signed by Alain Bosquet to bibliophile Jacques Bredèche: "... que je remercie d'amier les beaux livres et de me croire digne de sa collection..." ["... whom I thank for loving beautiful books and for believing me worthy of his collection..."]
€100
Alain BOSQUET
Sonnets pour une fin de siècle
Gallimard|Paris 1980|15 x 22 cm|broché
First edition, one of 20 numbered copies on Arches vellum, the only deluxe copies.
A very fine copy.
Two bookplates pasted on the first endpaper.
Autograph inscription signed by Alain Bosquet to bibliophile Jacques Bredèche: "... que je remercie chaleureusement de collectionner les "grands papiers"..." ["... whom I warmly thank for collecting the 'deluxe copies'..."]
€100
Pierre BENOIT
Aïno
Albin Michel|Paris 1948|12 x 19 cm|broché
First edition, one of the Service de Presse (advance) copies.
Fine signed autograph inscription from Pierre Benoit to François Daudet and his family: "A François Daudet, à une famille dont je serai toujours non seulement l'ami, mais l'obligé plein de reconnaissance. Très fidèlement Pierre Benoit" ["To François Daudet, to a family of whom I will always be not only the friend, but the obliged one full of gratitude. Very faithfully Pierre Benoit"].
€80
Louis DIMIER
L'appel des intellectuels allemands
Nouvelle librairie nationale|Paris 1914|12 x 18.50 cm|broché
First edition printed on ordinary paper.
A small lack to the upper right corner of the first cover, three light tears to the spine, endpapers entirely sunned.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Louis Dimier to Léon Daudet.
€100
Francis VIELÉ-GRIFFIN
"...mais je reste songeur en apprenant qu'ils vous ont paru pires que ceux de Retté..."
Autograph letter, dated and signed, addressed to Edouard Ducoté about a poem that he recommended to him for his magazine without first reading it
S. n.|s. l. • (Paris) 31 Mai 1900|13 x 20.50 cm|une page
Autograph letter signed by Francis Viélé-Griffin (15 lines in violet ink from his Parisian residence) addressed to Edouard Ducoté, poet, bibliophile and editor of the review l'Ermitage since 1895.
Fold mark inherent to mailing.
To please the poetess Julia Daudet, Francis Viélé-Griffin took the liberty of imposing verses on Edouard Ducoté for his review: "... je vous ai recommandé ces vers pour complaire à un souhait de madame Daudet, je n'en ai pas pris connaissance ; mais reste songeur..." ["I recommended these verses to you to comply with a wish of Madame Daudet, I have not read them; but remain thoughtful..."] which the editor of l'Ermitage finds poor.
Intimate of Stéphane Mallarmé, friend of André Gide, Paul Valéry, Francis Jammes, Emile Verhaeren, Francis Viélé-Griffin is an American symbolist poet writing in French. He becomes, with Gustave Kahn, one of the principal theorists of free verse.
€150
Francis VIELÉ-GRIFFIN
"... je ne comprends pas l'exclusivisme du Mercure, il m'a étonné et peiné.."
Autograph letter dated and signed addressed to Edouard Ducoté which was refused by the Mercure de France
S. n.|s. l. • (Paris) 31 Décembre 1896|13 x 20 cm|une page et demie
Signed autograph letter by Francis Viélé-Griffin (32 lines in purple ink from his Parisian home) addressed to Edouard Ducoté, poet, bibliophile and director of the review l'Ermitage since 1895.
Fold mark inherent to postal handling, pen annotations on verso of fourth leaf.
Francis Viélé-Griffin thanks his fellow poet Edouard Ducoté who dedicated his future collection Fables to him and apologizes for the intransigence of Mercure de France which only wants to publish authors and poets stamped Mercure de France: "... je ne comprends pas l'exclusivisme du Mercure, il m'a étonné et peiné.." ["... I don't understand the exclusivism of Mercure, it surprised and saddened me.."]
He assures him that he has no influence within the review and publishing house directed by Alfred Valette because he takes care of none of the administrative formalities: "... je n'ai que peu assisté, jusqu'à présent, aux séances du comité où mon influence, au reste, est nulle." ["... I have attended committee meetings little, until now, where my influence, moreover, is nil."]
As a good friend, Francis Viélé-Griffin wishes to temper Edouard Ducoté's disappointment at not being published by Mercure: "Mais n'êtes vous pas aussi bien chez Perrin ? " ["But aren't you just as well off at Perrin's?"] and invites him to visit soon to: "... causer de vos projets d'art..." ["... discuss your artistic projects..."]
Intimate friend of Stéphane Mallarmé, friend of André Gide, Paul Valéry, Francis Jammes, Emile Verhaeren, Francis Viélé-Griffin is an American symbolist poet writing in French. He became, with Gustave Kahn, one of the principal theorists of free verse.
€180
François COPPÉE
Lettre autographe signée au jeune Léon Daudet lui donnant rendez-vous
S. n.|s. l. • (Paris) s. d. [circa 1895]|11.50 x 17.50 cm|une feuille
Autograph letter signed by François Coppée (8 lines in black ink) to his young friend Léon Daudet.
Fold marks inherent to postal handling, a doodle in blue pencil has been traced on the verso of the letter.
François Coppée invites his dear Léon Daudet to come visit him, setting a date and time: "... j'aurai fini mon article et je serai tout à vous." ["... I will have finished my article and will be entirely at your disposal."]

€120
François COPPÉE
"... et je pense tendrement à la mémoire de mon cher Alphonse Daudet..."
Autograph letter, dated and signed, to his friend Léon Daudet about the death of his father Alphonse a few days earlier
S. n.|s. l. • (Paris) 3 Janvier 1898|11.50 x 18 cm|une feuille
Autograph letter dated and signed by François Coppée (12 lines in black ink) to his friend Léon Daudet.
Fold marks inherent to mailing.
François Coppée shows himself touched by the last letter that Léon Daudet addressed to him and invites him to his home: "... Come whenever you wish... so that we can chat quietly."
He shares the grief and sadness of the Daudet family after the death (on December 17, 1897) of Alphonse Daudet, his friend: "... and I think tenderly of the memory of my dear Alphonse Daudet..."

€150
François COPPÉE
"... Excusez le vieux monsieur qui ne passe plus ni soirées ni se couche après minuit..."
Autograph letter dated and signed to Marthe Daudet refusing his invitation to participate in the New Year's Eve party on December 25th
S. n.|s. l. • (Paris) 14 Décembre 1903|11.50 x 18 cm|une feuille
Autograph letter dated and signed by François Coppée (13 lines in black ink) to his friend Marthe Daudet, wife of Léon, who invited him to join them for Christmas Eve dinner on December 25, 1903.
Fold marks inherent to mailing.
François Coppée will not be joining them, his precarious health forbidding any late social engagements, preferring an earlier hour for dining: "... of course, I will go and sit at the table of my young and dear friend Léon Daudet and his charming wife with great pleasure...", "... Excuse the old gentleman who no longer spends evenings out or goes to bed after midnight..."

€150
Reynaldo HAHN
"... je vais relire avec dévotion ces pages qui m'ont déjà ému..."
Autograph letter signed to Léon Daudet about the biography that the latter wrote about his father Alphonse Daudet
S. n.|s. l. • (Paris) s. d. [1898]|10 x 15.50 cm|une feuille
Autograph letter signed by Reynaldo Hahn, dandy, composer and great love of Marcel Proust (22 lines in black ink) regarding the biography that Léon Daudet devoted to his father Alphonse in 1898.
Trace of fold inherent to mailing.
Reynaldo Hahn congratulates Léon Daudet for the rational pertinence and clarity of the biography: "... où l'on retrouve tout ce qui était définissable et analysable en Alphonse Daudet..." ["... where one finds all that was definable and analyzable in Alphonse Daudet..."] while regretting nonetheless that he had only imperfectly captured the author of Lettres de mon moulin : " ... ce que vous n'avez pu fixer c'est le mystère brûlant et doux qui émanait de lui, et qui s'est évanoui à tout jamais..." ["... what you could not capture is the burning and sweet mystery that emanated from him, and which has vanished forever..."]
In order to temper this criticism, he wishes to warmly thank Léon Daudet for having evoked in the work his friendship with Alphonse Daudet: "... je suis si fier de l'affection qu'il me témoignait..." ["... I am so proud of the affection he showed me..."]

€300
Reynaldo HAHN
"... toute la part profonde que je prends à votre chagrin et combien j'ai partagé vos émotions douloureuses..."
Autograph letter signed to Mrs. Julia Daudet about the death of her grandson Philippe at the age of 14
S. n.|s. l. • (Paris) 1923|10 x 18 cm|une feuille
Autograph letter signed by Reynaldo Hahn, dandy, composer and great love of Marcel Proust (20 lines in blue ink) addressed to Julia Daudet concerning the tragic death of her grandson Philippe who committed suicide at the age of 14; his father, Léon Daudet, accused anarchist circles or the police of the Third Republic of having disguised this "crime" as suicide.
Fold marks inherent to postal dispatch.
Reynaldo Hahn apologizes for not being as available as he would like for his friends and regrets having missed his correspondent at her home: "... à aller vous dire tout ce que je ressens si vivement..." ["to come tell you all that I feel so keenly..."] but will renew his attempt soon: "je tâcherai d'être plus heureux samedi après-midi..." ["I will try to be more fortunate Saturday afternoon..."]
Reynaldo Hahn wishes to show, during the trials the family is going through, all his attachment to them and his communion of spirit: "... toute la part profonde que je prends à votre chagrin et combien j'ai partagé vos émotions douloureuses..." ["all the deep part I take in your grief and how much I have shared your painful emotions..."]

€300
Francis VIELÉ-GRIFFIN
Lettre autographe datée et signée adressée à Edouard Ducoté : "...l'occurrence n'est pas tragique, si ce n'est par une scandaleuse exhibition de bêtise : car le journaliste m'a paru de bonne foi ! "
S. n.|Paris 11 Juin 1900|12.50 x 20 cm|une page
Autograph letter signed by Francis Viélé-Griffin (16 lines in purple ink from his Parisian home on rue Hamelin) addressed to Edouard Ducoté, poet, bibliophile and director of the review l'Ermitage since 1895.
Fold mark inherent to being placed in an envelope, the year 1900 is written in pencil at the top of the letter completing the date of June 11th written by Francis Viélé-Griffin.
He thanks his fellow poet Edouard Ducoté for his support contrary to certain critics who have recently savaged him: "... merci, mon cher ami, de votre témoignage de sympathie..." ["...thank you, my dear friend, for your testimonial of sympathy..."] also informing him of his upcoming visit to his home having missed him the last time.
Intimate friend of Stéphane Mallarmé, friend of André Gide, Paul Valéry, Francis Jammes, Emile Verhaeren, Francis Viélé-Griffin is an American symbolist poet writing in French. He became, with Gustave Kahn, one of the principal theorists of free verse.
€150
Johann Rudolf WYSS
Le Robinson Suisse
Lavigne|Paris 1841|15 x 23.80 cm|relié
Romantic illustrated edition in first printing with 6 hors-texte on chine appliqué before letters and 200 in-text vignettes by Lemercier. The hors-texte are numbered and have been bound out of order. First edition of the translation by Elise Voiart. Preface by Charles Nodier.
Half black shagreen binding. Smooth spine decorated with cold and gilt rococo tooling. Gilt edges. Some scattered foxing. Rubbing, particularly to edges and corners. Charming copy.
This Swiss novel was a great success upon publication and has enchanted multiple generations to this day.
€350
Eugène DELACROIX, Pierre PETIT
[Photographie] Portrait photographique de Eugène Delacroix
Pierre Petit|Paris 1858|6 x 10.40 cm|une feuille
An original albumen carte-de-visite photograph of Eugène Delacroix, depicting the artist seated in a chair — his most famous portrait. The session at Pierre Petit’s studio yielded multiple poses; variants of this print survive at the Musée d’Orsay and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Mounted on card, with Pierre Petit’s signature in the lower margin and his studio advertisement on the verso.
€1,600
Jean Auguste Dominique INGRES, Eugène DISDERI
[Photographie] Portrait photographique de Dominique Ingres
Eugène Disdéri|Paris 1860|6 x 10.50 cm|une feuille
Full-length carte-de-visite albumen photograph of the painter Ingres. Taken by Disdéri, who himself developed this carte-de-visite process in 1854.
Photograph mounted on card bearing the name of Disdéri et Cie. Photographer's advertisement on verso, at the address on boulevard des Italiens. Fine print.
This sitting at Disdéri's studio produced several photographs of the painter, with slightly different poses. This same photograph can be found at the Ingres Museum in Montauban and at the Musée d'Orsay.
€1,200
Pierre-André BENOIT, Joan MIRÓ
"... une bonne année commencée avec le soleil ce qui donne envie de circuler..."
Unpublished handwritten card, signed and illustrated with a reproduction of a drawing by Joan Miro addressed to his friend, the Montpellier bookseller Pierre Clerc, wishing him his best wishes for the year 1984
S. n.|Paris 11 Janvier 1984|13.50 x 10 cm|une feuille + une enveloppe
Autograph signed card from Pierre-André Benoit (8 lines in black ink, written from his château at Rivières-de-Theyrargues in the Gard, which he has occupied since 1970) addressed to the bookseller Pierre Clerc, to whom he extends his wishes for 1984.
The card is illustrated on the recto with a reproduction of a drawing by Joan Miró accompanied by a phrase from Saint Teresa of Avila, envelope included.
The sunny winter favors PAB's good humor: "... une bonne année commencée avec le soleil ce qui donne envie de circuler..." ["... a good year begun with sunshine which makes one want to get about..."] who suggests to his bookseller friend that he come to lunch at his home soon.
Poet, painter, engraver, Pierre-André Benoit or P.A.B. was above all a typographer and printer who created more than 400 illustrated works bringing together the greatest post-war poets with the most talented painters of the second half of the twentieth century.
P.A.B.'s productions were first realized on a small press installed in his apartment in Alès. They brought together his poet friends René Char, André Breton, Paul Éluard, Paul Claudel, Erik Satie, Tristan Tzara and his painter friends Joan Miró, Georges Braque, Jean Dubuffet, Francis Picabia, Marcel Duchamp and Pablo Picasso. In 1949, he began to use celluloid engraving which allowed him to make the prints himself and to create the books entirely. From his modern château at Rivières-de-Theyrargues, in the Gard, he would end up illustrating his works himself while continuing to work with his faithful friends Camille Bryen and Pierre Alechinsky.

€150
Pierre-André BENOIT
Carte manuscrite inédite, signée et illustrée d'une reproduction d'un dessin de PAB adressée à son ami le libraire montpelliérain Pierre Clerc lui présentant ses voeux pour l'année 1987
S. n.|Paris Janvier 1987|21 x 14.50 cm|une feuille
Autograph card signed by Pierre-André Benoit (8 lines in black ink written from his château at Rivières-de-Theyrargues in the Gard which he has occupied since 1970) addressed to bookseller Pierre Clerc, to whom he presents his wishes for 1984.
The card is illustrated on the recto with a reproduction of a drawing by PAB.
PAB is exhausted by the past year: "... j'ai besoin cet hiver de me reposer puis ce sera encore l'agitation..." ["I need to rest this winter then it will be agitation again..."] and is considering leaving his retreat at Rivières-de-Theyrargues: "dans un an au plus un an 1/2 je laisserai Rivières et me fixerai à Alès..." ["in a year at most a year and a half I will leave Rivières and settle in Alès..."]
He will also dispose of his books and his library: "... tout partira ou au musée-bibliothèque ou chez les libraires..." ["everything will go either to the museum-library or to booksellers..."]
This is why he invites his bookseller friend to come see him one last time at his château.
Poet, painter, engraver, Pierre-André Benoit or P.A.B. was above all a typographer and printer who produced more than 400 illustrated works bringing together the greatest post-war poets with the most talented painters of the second half of the 20th century.
P.A.B.'s productions were first made on a small press installed in his apartment in Alès. They would bring together his poet friends René Char, André Breton, Paul Éluard, Paul Claudel, Erik Satie, Tristan Tzara and his painter friends Joan Miró, Georges Braque, Jean Dubuffet, Francis Picabia, Marcel Duchamp and Pablo Picasso. In 1949, he began using celluloid engraving which allowed him to make the prints himself and produce the books entirely. From his modern château at Rivières-de-Theyrargues, in the Gard, he would end up illustrating his works himself while continuing to work with his faithful friends Camille Bryen and Pierre Alechinsky.

€150
Maurice CLAVEL
La pourpre de Judée ou les délices du genre humain
Christian Bourgois|Paris 1967|12 x 20 cm|broché
First edition printed on ordinary paper.
Handsome copy.
Autograph inscription signed by Maurice Clavel to Lina Caral.
€60
Pierre-André BENOIT
"... de vos demandes (verbales et écrites) vous aurez au moins..."
Unpublished and signed autograph letter addressed to his friend, the Montpellier bookseller Pierre Clerc
S. n.|Paris 17 Novembre 1983|13.50 x 21 cm|une feuille
Autograph letter signed by Pierre-André Benoit (27 lines in black ink and written from his château at Rivières-de-Theyrargues in the Gard which he has occupied since 1970) addressed to bookseller Pierre Clerc regarding works that the latter had ordered from him.
Fold mark inherent to mailing.
PAB must travel to Montpellier, as his housekeeper is to have surgery there. He will therefore take the opportunity to meet his bookseller friend and bring him some available works among those he had ordered.
Poet, painter, engraver, Pierre-André Benoit or P.A.B. was above all a typographer and printer who produced more than 400 illustrated works bringing together the greatest post-war poets with the most talented painters of the second half of the 20th century.
P.A.B.'s productions were initially created on a small press installed in his apartment in Alès. They brought together his poet friends René Char, André Breton, Paul Eluard, Paul Claudel, Erik Satie, Tristan Tzara and his painter friends Joan Miro, Georges Braque, Jean Dubuffet, Francis Picabia, Marcel Duchamp and Pablo Picasso. In 1949, he began using celluloid engraving which allowed him to make the prints himself and create entire books. From his modern château at Rivières-de-Theyrargues, in the Gard, he would eventually illustrate his own works while continuing to work with his faithful friends Camille Bryen and Pierre Alechinsky.

€180
Pierre-André BENOIT
"... il m'est impossible de lire de penser à quoi que ce soit sauf aux méfaits du temps..."
Unpublished and signed autograph letter addressed to his friend, the Montpellier bookseller Pierre Clerc
S. n.|Paris 10 Janvier 1985|15 x 21 cm|une feuille
Autograph letter signed by Pierre-André Benoit (22 lines in blue ink and written from his château at Rivières-de-Theyrargues in the Gard which he has occupied since 1970) addressed to bookseller Pierre Clerc to whom he presents his wishes for 1985 and in which he narrates the damage related to the frost that is ravaging the Gard and damaging his home.
Fold mark inherent to mailing.
PAB suffers from the harsh winter that has fallen upon the Gard: "... si je vous écris avec un soleil radieux qui réjouit les yeux il est sans effet et les -15e devant ma porte le 0 à l'intérieur de la maison cela n'a rien de confortable..." ["... if I write to you with radiant sunshine that delights the eyes it has no effect and the -15° in front of my door, 0° inside the house, that is not at all comfortable..."] but remains in good health even if his mind is paralyzed by the damage that promises to be significant: "...je suis effrayé à la pensée du dégel... il m'est impossible de lire de penser à quoi que ce soit sauf aux méfaits du temps. Vivement les beaux jours..." ["...I am frightened at the thought of the thaw... it is impossible for me to read or think of anything except the misdeeds of the weather. Looking forward to fine weather..."]
Poet, painter, engraver, Pierre-André Benoit or P.A.B. was above all a typographer and printer having produced more than 400 illustrated works bringing together the greatest postwar poets with the most talented painters of the second half of the 20th century.
P.A.B.'s productions were first created on a small press installed in his apartment in Alès. They brought together his friends the poets René Char, André Breton, Paul Eluard, Paul Claudel, Erik Satie, Tristan Tzara and his painter friends Joan Miro, Georges Braque, Jean Dubuffet, Francis Picabia, Marcel Duchamp and Pablo Picasso. In 1949, he began to use celluloid engraving which allowed him to make the prints himself and to produce the books entirely. From his modern château at Rivières-de-Theyrargues, in the Gard, he ended up illustrating his own works while continuing to work with his faithful friends Camille Bryen and Pierre Alechinsky.

€180
Pierre-André BENOIT
"... je ne bouge jamais de Rivières..."
Unpublished and signed autograph letter addressed to his friend, the Montpellier bookseller Pierre Clerc
S. n.|Paris 5 Janvier 1986|13.50 x 21 cm|une feuille + une enveloppe
Autograph letter signed by Pierre-André Benoit (13 lines in black ink written from his château at Rivières-de-Theyrargues in the Gard region which he has occupied since 1970) addressed to bookseller Pierre Clerc who had sent him New Year's wishes for 1986.
Envelope included.
In turn, Pierre-André Benoit extends his wishes for the year ahead and writes that he finds it difficult to leave his retreat in the Gard at Rivières-de-Theyrargues : "... je ne bouge jamais de Rivières..." ["... I never leave Rivières..."] and therefore favors a telephone appointment with his correspondent: "... oui par téléphone prenons rendez-vous et j'espère bientôt..." ["... yes by telephone let's make an appointment and I hope soon..."]
Poet, painter, engraver, Pierre-André Benoit or P.A.B. was above all a typographer and printer who created more than 400 illustrated works bringing together the greatest post-war poets with the most talented painters of the second half of the 20th century.
P.A.B.'s productions were first created on a small press installed in his apartment in Alès. They would bring together his friends the poets René Char, André Breton, Paul Eluard, Paul Claudel, Erik Satie, Tristan Tzara and his painter friends Joan Miro, Georges Braque, Jean Dubuffet, Francis Picabia, Marcel Duchamp and Pablo Picasso. In 1949, he began using celluloid engraving which allowed him to make the prints himself and create the books in their entirety. From his modern château at Rivières-de-Theyrargues, in the Gard, he would end up illustrating his works himself while continuing to work with his faithful friends Camille Bryen and Pierre Alechinsky.

€120
Pierre-André BENOIT
"... oui il y aura des livres si vous en voulez.."
Unpublished and signed autograph letter addressed to his friend, the Montpellier bookseller Pierre Clerc
S. n.|Paris 17 Septembre 1989|14.50 x 21 cm|une feuille
Signed autograph letter from Pierre-André Benoit (13 lines in black ink written from his château de Rivières-de-Theyrargues in the Gard which he has occupied since 1970) addressed to the bookseller Pierre Clerc who had sent him his wishes for the year 1986.
Fold mark inherent to envelope insertion. Pierre Clerc has inscribed, in pencil at the top of the letter, the name and surname of his correspondent.
Pierre-André Benoit believes his correspondent is busy with his summer occupations, particularly mycological : "... vous êtes sans doite à Chateauneuf de Randon et les champignons ne doivent pas manquer.." ["... you are no doubt at Chateauneuf de Randon and mushrooms must not be lacking.."] and reassures his bookseller friend eager to stock up on his luxurious editions with confidential print runs: "... Venez déjeuner. oui il y aura des livres si vous en voulez. A bientôt." ["... Come to lunch. yes there will be books if you want them. See you soon."]
Poet, painter, engraver, Pierre-André Benoit or P.A.B. was above all a typographer and printer who produced more than 400 illustrated works bringing together the greatest post-war poets with the most talented painters of the second half of the 20th century.
P.A.B.'s productions were first created on a small press installed in his apartment in Alès. They brought together his poet friends René Char, André Breton, Paul Eluard, Paul Claudel, Erik Satie, Tristan Tzara and his painter friends Joan Miro, Georges Braque, Jean Dubuffet, Francis Picabia, Marcel Duchamp and Pablo Picasso. In 1949, he began using engraving on celluloid which allowed him to make the prints himself and produce the books entirely. From his modern château at Rivières-de-Theyrargues, in the Gard, he would eventually illustrate his works himself while continuing to work with his faithful friends Camille Bryen and Pierre Alechinsky.

€120
Jean MARCENAC
La patience des botocudos
Les Editeurs Français Réunis|Paris 1970|11.50 x 18 cm|broché
First edition on ordinary paper.
Handsome copy.
Signed autograph inscription from Jean Marcenac to a friend named Gaston: "... maître dans l'art d'écrire, de savoir et d'être..." ["... master in the art of writing, knowing and being..."]

€50
Anne RADCLIFFE
Oeuvres d'Anne Radcliffe
Maradan|Paris 1819|10.50 x 17 cm|10 volumes reliés
First complete French collective edition. Music scores bound in-fine in the last volume.
Contemporary brown half calf bindings, very slightly rubbed to some places, smooth spines ruled in gilt, marbled paper covers.
Small traces of glue to the corners of pastedowns and white flyleaves. Slight marginal tears and missing pieces of paper to the half-title page of the first volume. Small marginal lacks of paper to the half-title page of the fifth volume. Scattered foxing to some volumes.
Volumes 1 & 2: La Forêt ou L'Abbaye de Saint-Clair (The Romance of the Forest), volumes 3 to 6: Les Mystères d'Udolphe (The Mysteries of Udolpho), volumes 7 to 9: L'Italien ou Le Confessionnal des pénitens noirs (The Italian, or the Confessional of the Black Penitents), volume 10 (and 11 in the same volume): Julia ou Les Souterrains du château de Mazzini (A Sicilian Romance).
A fine, rare copy of the works of Anne Radcliffe, a pioneer of the Gothic novel who inspired Jane Austen, Walter Scott, Mary Wollstonecraft and Dostoyevsky.
Provenance: library of Pierre de Torcy, with his manuscript ownership inscription on each volume.
€3,000
Léon RIOTOR
Le parabolain
Bibliothèque de La Plume|Paris 1894|11.50 x 17 cm|broché
First edition printed in a small number of copies on laid paper.
Rare and handsome copy.
Autograph inscription signed at the head of the front cover by Léon Riotor to Auguste Vacquerie.
€100
Roger VITRAC
Théâtre - Victor ou les Enfants au Pouvoir - Le Coup de Trafalgar - Le Camelot
Gallimard|Paris 1946|12 x 19 cm|broché
First collected edition, one of 13 numbered copies on handmade laid paper, the only deluxe copies.
Handsome copy.
€120
Joseph BREITBACH
Rapport sur Bruno
Gallimard|Paris 1964|14 x 20.50 cm|broché
First French edition, one of 55 numbered copies on handmade paper, deluxe issue.
Handsome copy.
€200
Marcel AYMÉ
Le vaurien
Nrf|Paris 1931|11.50 x 19 cm|relié
First edition on ordinary paper.
Half bottle-green shagreen binding, browned spine with five raised bands outlined in black fillets, marbled paper boards, endpapers and pastedowns, modest contemporary binding.
Some light foxing on the endpapers.
Provenance: from the library of Marcel Augagneur with his curious bookplate pasted on a pastedown.
Signed autograph inscription from Marcel Aymé to the journalist Marcel Augagneur ("Gringoire" and "L'écho de Paris") who used the pseudonym Marc de Saligny for his writing.
€100
Charles MAURRAS, Pierre PASCAL
Quatre poëmes d'Eurydice
Editions du trident|Paris 1937|19.50 x 28.50 cm|broché
First edition, one of 400 numbered copies on laid Ronsard paper.
Spine and covers marginally and lightly sunned as usual, endpapers partially shaded without gravity.
Work illustrated with a frontispiece designed and engraved by Pierre Pascal.
Signed autograph inscription from Charles Maurras to a doctor.
€100
Marcel AYMÉ
La table-aux-crevés
Nrf|Paris 1929|11.50 x 19 cm|relié
First edition, a service de presse (advance) copy.
Half bottle-green shagreen binding, browned spine with five raised bands outlined with black fillets, marbled paper boards, endpapers and pastedowns, modest contemporary binding.
Some light foxing to the endpapers.
Provenance: from the library of Marcel Augagneur with his curious bookplate pasted on a pastedown.
Signed autograph inscription from Marcel Aymé to the journalist Marcel Augagneur ("Gringoire" and "L'écho de Paris") who used the pseudonym Marc de Saligny for his writing.
€100
Auguste de VILLIERS DE L'ISLE-ADAM
Nouvelles reliques
José Corti|Paris 1968|12 x 18.50 cm|broché
First edition, one of 25 numbered copies on Lafuma paper, deluxe copy.
Presentation by Pierre-Georges Castex of this work illustrated, as frontispiece, with a facsimile of the manuscript.
Handsome copy.

€250
Henry Rider HAGGARD
Elle
Georges Crès & Cie|Paris 1920|13.50 x 20.50 cm|broché
Complete first edition published two months after the first edition printed by the Edition française illustrée, one of 110 numbered copies on laid paper, the only deluxe copies.
Spine and covers slightly faded and lightened.
A full-margined copy of this classic and masterpiece of fantastic literature.

€400
Marcel AYMÉ
Lucienne et le boucher
Gallimard|Paris 1947|11.50 x 18.50 cm|relié
First edition printed on ordinary paper.
Half red sheep binding, spine with four raised bands outlined with black fillets, a very slight and harmless scratch at head of spine, marbled paper boards, marbled paper endpapers and pastedowns, modest contemporary binding.
Light worming to top edge.
Provenance: from the library of Marcel Augagneur with his curious bookplate pasted on a pastedown.
Signed autograph inscription from Marcel Aymé to journalist Marcel Augagneur ("Gringoire" and "L'écho de Paris") who used the pseudonym Marc de Saligny for his writing.
€120
Marcel AYMÉ
Maison basse
Nrf|Paris 1935|11.50 x 18.50 cm|relié
First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Half bottle green shagreen binding, spine with five raised bands slightly browned, moiré paper boards, marbled paper endpapers and pastedowns, modest contemporary binding.
Small worming to top edge.
Provenance: from the library of Marcel Augagneur with his curious bookplate pasted on a pastedown.
Signed autograph inscription from Marcel Aymé to journalist Marcel Augagneur ("Gringoire" and "L'écho de Paris") who used the pseudonym Marc de Saligny for his writing.
€120
Alphonse de CHÂTEAUBRIANT
La Brière
Grasset|Paris 1923|11.50 x 18.50 cm|relié
First edition on ordinary paper.
Full almond green cloth binding, smooth spine, bottle green sheep title label, marbled paper endpapers and pastedowns, modest binding.
Small marginal lacks, not affecting the text, to some leaves, one lateral tear affecting pages 417-418.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Alphonse de Chateaubriant: "A Monsieur Léon Daudet, en attendant l'exemplaire que je lui réserve pour lui témoigner ma reconnaissance. Alphonse de Chateaubriant." ["To Monsieur Léon Daudet, while awaiting the copy I am reserving for him to show my gratitude. Alphonse de Chateaubriant."]
€180
Jean PELLERIN
Sous le règne du débauché
Albin Michel|Paris 1921|12 x 19 cm|broché
First edition, one of 25 numbered copies on laid paper, the only deluxe copies.
Handsome copy.

€100
Gilbert Keith CHESTERTON
Chaucer
Plon|Paris 1935|12 x 18.50 cm|broché
First edition in French, one of 25 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only deluxe copies.
A handsome copy.

€450
Pierre JONQUERES D'ORIOLA
A cheval sur cinq olympiades
Raoul Solar|Paris 1968|13.50 x 20.50 cm|reliure de l'éditeur
First collected edition with some parts in first edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Publisher's blue skyvertex binding, smooth spine, with the illustrated dust jacket which has three small marginal tears.
Iconography.
Rare signed autograph inscription by Pierre Jonquères d'Oriola, who is the most decorated French equestrian at the Olympic Games in show jumping, to a woman named Jacqueline.
€300
Isidore ISOU
Introduction à une nouvelle poésie et à une nouvelle musique
Gallimard|Paris 1947|12 x 19 cm|broché
The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Handsome copy of the author's first work.
Very rare dated and signed autograph inscription by Isidore Isou, one of the founders of Lettrism and important precursor to Situationism, to film producer and director Roland Tual who was close to the Surrealists: he opened the Surrealist gallery in 1926 with the exhibition "Paintings by Man Ray and objects from the islands".
€1,200
Jean MARTET
Le palais de Timour
Albin Michel|Paris 1937|12 x 19 cm|broché
First edition, one of the advance copies.
Handsome copy.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Jean Martet to Pierre Benoit.
€120
Georges SIMENON
La disparition d'Odile
Presses de la Cité|Paris 1971|14.50 x 22.50 cm|en feuilles sous double chemise et étui
First edition, one of 100 numbered copies on deluxe paper, the only deluxe copies.
Handsome copy presented in sheets under double chemise and slipcase.
€250
Francis VIELÉ-GRIFFIN
".... accordez-moi un délai, qui sera le moins possible... je vous promets des vers..."
Autograph letter dated and signed addressed to Edouard Ducoté
S. n.|Paris Janvier 1903|14 x 17.50 cm|une page et demie
Autograph letter dated and signed by Francis Viélé-Griffin addressed (31 lines in violet ink from his Parisian residence) to Edouard Ducoté, poet, bibliophile and director of the review l'Ermitage since 1895 in which he requests a little patience before he sends the promised verses to the review, he also assures him that he will send his forthcoming works: "... however small the print run of my next volume may be, I naturally intended to reserve a copy for you. For are you not one of those for whom I wrote it?... I will enclose the offprint of sainte Julie - of which I have three copies left - but are you not a bibliophile?"
Finally, Francis Viélé-Griffin demands, in return, more than a brief mention concerning him in the new issue of l'Ermitage: "As I rarely publish volumes, it would be pleasant for me to read, not a note but an article, a study... what do you say?"
Close friend of Stéphane Mallarmé, friend of André Gide, Paul Valéry, Francis Jammes, Emile Verhaeren, Francis Viélé-Griffin is an American symbolist poet writing in French. He becomes, with Gustave Kahn, one of the principal theorists of free verse.
Fold mark inherent to postal mailing.
€250
Francis VIELÉ-GRIFFIN
".... vous savez le goût que j'ai pour votre manière, de légère ironie et de cette vérité, toujours un peu risible pour qui sait la voir..."
Autograph letter dated and signed addressed to Edouard Ducoté
S. n.|Paris 25 Juin 1903|14 x 17.50 cm|une page et demie
Autograph letter dated and signed by Francis Viélé-Griffin (30 lines in violet ink from his Parisian residence) addressed to Edouard Ducoté, poet, bibliophile and director of the review l'Ermitage since 1895.
Fold marks inherent to being placed in an envelope.
He showers praise on his fellow poet Edouard Ducoté who has just sent him his latest work and also thanks him for the article that l'Ermitage devoted to his latest collection (L'amour sacré published in 1903): "... I have written my thanks to the critic... I have a copy for him that I have not yet been able to send him..."
Francis Viélé-Griffin also mentions a painting by his friend Théo Van Rysselberghe depicting Madame Edouard Ducoté that he recently noticed in his studio: "... a truly charming portrait..."
A close friend of Stéphane Mallarmé, friend of André Gide, Paul Valéry, Francis Jammes, and Emile Verhaeren, Francis Viélé-Griffin was an American symbolist poet who wrote in French. He became, along with Gustave Kahn, one of the principal theorists of free verse.
€250
André BRETON
Lettre autographe datée et signée à propos d'un règlement qu'il vient de recevoir pour une de ses contributions chez Jean-Jacques Pauvert
S. n.|Paris 12 Mai 1964|21 x 26 cm|une page
Autograph letter dated and signed by André Breton (11 lines in black ink from his Parisian residence on rue Fontaine) acknowledging receipt of a cheque he received from Jean-Jacques Pauvert's publishing house.
Crease mark inherent to folding for mailing.
He apologizes for responding so late to his correspondent, asks him to thank Jean-Jacques Pauvert and to convey his regards.

€400
Joseph CONRAD
Une victoire
Nrf|Paris 1923|16.50 x 21.50 cm|2 volumes brochés
First edition of the French translation, one of 108 numbered copies on pure thread Lafuma-Navarre laid paper and reimposed in Tellière quarto format, deluxe copy.
Some foxing affecting notably the endpapers.
€500
Georges LIMBOUR
Le bridge de Madame Lyane
Gallimard|Paris 1946|12 x 19 cm|broché
First edition, one of 13 numbered copies on pur fil, the only deluxe copies.
Rare and handsome copy.
€300
Marcel AYMÉ
En Arrière
Gallimard|Paris 1950|11.50 x 18.50 cm|relié
First collected and partly first edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Half brown sheep binding, spine with four raised bands underlined with black fillets, marbled paper effect boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, original wrappers and spine preserved.
Some minor foxing, a stain on the second cover board preserved, complete with publisher's (advertising) slip.
Provenance: from the library of Marcel Augagneur with his curious bookplate pasted on a pastedown.
Signed autograph inscription from Marcel Aymé to journalist Marcel Augagneur ("Gringoire" and "L'écho de Paris") who used the pseudonym Marc de Saligny for his writing.
€120
François MAURIAC
Maltaverne
Flammarion|Paris 1950|14.50 x 21 cm|relié
First edition, one of 380 numbered copies on alfa paper.
Half navy blue morocco with corners, spine with four raised bands, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, covers and spine preserved, top edge gilt.
Handsome copy beautifully bound.
€120
Maurice BARRÈS
N'importe où hors du monde
Plon|Paris 1958|15 x 20.50 cm|relié
First edition, one of 48 numbered copies on Japan paper, deluxe issue.
Handsome copy with full margins.
Half red morocco with corners, smooth spine with a slight tear of no consequence at head, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, covers and spine preserved, top edge gilt retaining deckled edges, signed binding by Lucie Weill.
€350
Paul CLAUDEL
Figures et paraboles
Nrf|Paris 1936|12 x 19 cm|broché
First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
A small tear to the middle of the front cover, discreet numbering in the upper right corner of the verso of the front cover
Precious autograph inscription signed by Paul Claudel to Ida Rubinstein: "à Ida Rubinstein son ami. P. Claudel." ["to Ida Rubinstein his friend. P. Claudel."]
Star dancer of the celebrated Ballets Russes, icon of the Belle Époque, patron of the arts, Ida Rubinstein played the role of Joan in Paul Claudel's Joan of Arc at the Stake, during the first orchestral version performed in May 1938 in Basel. She also commissioned Maurice Ravel's famous Boléro. After leading a scandalous life for her time, notably for her bisexuality, she died mystical and solitary, forgotten by all.

€350
Eugène DABIT
Petit-Louis
Nrf|Paris 1930|12 x 19 cm|broché
First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Covers very lightly soiled.
Autograph inscription signed by Eugène Dabit to Monsieur Quiret-Vauquelin: "... ce récit d'une jeunesse faubourienne..." ["... this account of a suburban youth..."]
€80
Maurice DRUON
La volupté d'être
Julliard|Paris 1954|14 x 19.50 cm|relié
First edition, one of 100 numbered copies on pure laid paper, ours one of a few hors commerce copies, the only deluxe copies.
Half red morocco binding with bands, smooth spine very lightly faded without concern, boards, endpapers and pastedowns of moiré effect paper, covers and spine preserved, top edge gilt.
Autograph inscription dated 1957 and signed by Maurice Druon to a friend named Elisa: "... cette introduction à quelques problèmes qui nous sont communs avec la volupté d'être assez près d'elle pour la connaître. Maurice Juin 57." ["... this introduction to some problems we share with the pleasure of being close enough to her to know her. Maurice June 57."]

€450
Jean GIRAUDOUX
La grande bourgeoise
Grasset|Paris 1958|20.50 x 22.50 cm|broché
First edition, one of 25 numbered copies on Japan paper, deluxe copy.
Spine and boards marginally yellowed as usual.
Handsome full-margined copy.
€150
Louise MICHEL
"Chauvière et d'autres amis communs vous prient bien de tâcher que Clemenceau recommande au professeur qui a la chaire de Russe au Collège de France et à la Sorbonne, notre ami Gregorieff comme aide."
Signed autograph letter addressed to Lucien Barrois
s. l. • [Paris] 19 novembre 1887|11.30 x 17.70 cm|1 pages 1/2 sur un bifeuillet
Autograph letter signed by Louise Michel addressed to Lucien Barrois; one and a half pages written in black ink on a bifolium of white paper with black border. Transverse folds inherent to mailing.
"Chauvière et d'autres amis communs vous prient bien de tâcher que Clemenceau recommande au professeur qui a la chaire de Russe au Collège de France et à la Sorbonne, notre ami Gregorieff comme aide. Il paraît qu'avec un mot de Rochefort et de Clemenceau il serait immédiatement accepté [...]" ["Chauvière and other mutual friends earnestly ask you to try to have Clemenceau recommend our friend Gregorieff as assistant to the professor who holds the Russian chair at the Collège de France and at the Sorbonne. It appears that with a word from Rochefort and Clemenceau he would be immediately accepted [...]."]
The novelist P. Gregorieff had given some Russian lessons to Louise Michel.
Moving letter, testimony to the unfailing devotion of the former Communard.
€1,200
Louise MICHEL
"Voyez ce qu'on pourrait faire vous savez tous les services qu'ils ont rendus en 70-71."
Signed autograph letter addressed to Lucien Barrois
s. l. • [Paris] 15 août 1885|13.40 x 21.10 cm|1 page 1/2 sur un bifeuillet
Autograph letter signed by Louise Michel addressed to Lucien Barrois; one and a half pages written in black ink on a bifolium of white paper with black border. Transverse folds inherent to mailing. Tears to lower margin without loss at the fold.
Louise Michel requests help for one of her friends: "Vous savez que le père Blin ne peut plus travailler depuis deux mois passés, voici maintenant la mère Blin qui vient de tomber très malade. Voyez ce qu'on pourrait faire vous savez tous les services qu'ils ont rendus en 70-71. Mon petit cousin [...] aidera le père Blin à tenir son kioske (sic) mais cela ne donne pas de secours à la maladie de Mme Blin. Mme Barrois devait revenir demain samedi ici qu'elle ne l'oublie pas mais je la prie bien aussi de voir ce qu'on pourrait pour Mme Blin." ["You know that father Blin has been unable to work for the past two months, and now mother Blin has just fallen very ill. See what could be done, you know all the services they rendered in 70-71. My little cousin [...] will help father Blin run his kiosk but that doesn't provide relief for Mme Blin's illness. Mme Barrois was supposed to return here tomorrow Saturday, may she not forget it, but I also earnestly ask her to see what could be done for Mme Blin."]
Mme Blin actively participated in the Paris Commune alongside Louise Michel; with other Parisian women, they created the Women's Vigilance Committee and asked Louise Michel to take charge of it.
Moving letter, testimony to the unfailing devotion of the former Communard.
€1,500
Louise MICHEL
"elle sort le mois prochain (et elle le mérite bien) elle vous est bien reconnaissante."
Signed autograph letter addressed to Lucien Barrois
s. l. • [Paris] 16 juillet s. d. [ca 1885?]|13.40 x 21.10 cm|1 page 1/2 sur un bifeuillet
Autograph letter signed by Louise Michel addressed to Lucien Barrois; one and a half pages written in black ink on a bifolium of white paper with black border. Transverse folds inherent to posting.
Mrs. Vernier will be released from prison thanks to Louise Michel's assistance: "elle sort le mois prochain (et elle le mérite bien) elle vous est bien reconnaissante. Remerciez Clémenceau Lafont et Clovis Hugues avec Laguerre (peut-être tous les quatre qui ont apostillé la demande)." ["she is released next month (and she well deserves it) she is very grateful to you. Thank Clémenceau Lafont and Clovis Hugues with Laguerre (perhaps all four who endorsed the request)."]
A moving letter, testimony to the unwavering devotion of the former Communard.
€1,200
Louise MICHEL
"Clemenceau serait en droit de dire que je suis bien ennuyeuse mais montrez lui la lettre du petit si on pouvait obtenir qu'il ait un peu d'instruction."
Signed autograph letter addressed to Lucien Barrois
s. l. • [Paris] 6 février 1885|11.10 x 17.60 cm|1 page 1/2 sur un bifeuillet
Autograph letter signed by Louise Michel addressed to Lucien Barrois; one and a half pages written in black ink on a bifolium of white paper with black border. Transverse folds inherent to mailing. A trace of glue on the second sheet where Louise Michel had probably pasted a letter from her cousin.
News of Louise Michel's little cousin, Lucien Dacheux: "Je reçois une lettre de mon petit cousin Dacheux qui me demande de remercier encore pour lui Clemenceau et lui. Je le fais moi-même de tout coeur. N'oubliez pas de le dire à Clemenceau. Le petit Dacheux est à Brest 1ère division de recrutement. [...] Clemenceau serait en droit de dire que je suis bien ennuyeuse mais montrez lui la lettre du petit si on pouvait obtenir qu'il ait un peu d'instruction. Je ne sais pas s'ils peuvent avoir des leçons. Y a-t-il une école je ne sais rien de tout cela dans la division où il est." ["I receive a letter from my little cousin Dacheux who asks me to thank Clemenceau and him again on his behalf. I do so myself wholeheartedly. Don't forget to tell Clemenceau. Little Dacheux is in Brest 1st recruitment division. [...] Clemenceau would have the right to say that I am quite bothersome but show him the little one's letter if we could obtain that he have a little education. I don't know if they can have lessons. Is there a school I know nothing of all that in the division where he is."]
Moving letter, testimony to the unfailing devotion of the former communard.
€1,500
Letter to the Tiger: "Before returning to the cage"
Letter to the Tiger: "Before returning to the cage"
Louise MICHEL
« Il faut avant de rentrer en cage [...] que je vous demande le grand service de faire entrer à l'hospice mon cousin (le petit Dacheux) à qui vous avez bien voulu faire avoir sa dispense d'âge. »
Signed autograph letter addressed to Georges Clemenceau
s. l. • [Paris] 7 août 1886|13.20 x 19.20 cm|3 pages sur un bifeuillet
Autograph signed letter from Louise Michel addressed to Georges Clemenceau; three pages written in black ink on a bifolium of white paper. Transverse creases inherent to posting.
Fine letter from Louise Michel to Clemenceau, one of her most important supporters, before yet another incarceration:

« Il faut avant de rentrer en cage [...] que je vous demande le grand service de faire entrer à l'hospice mon cousin (le petit Dacheux) à qui vous avez bien voulu faire avoir sa dispense d'âge. » ["Before returning to the cage [...] I must ask you the great favor of having my cousin (little Dacheux) admitted to the hospice, for whom you were kind enough to obtain his age exemption."]

The former communard has indeed just been sentenced to four months in prison for having given a speech in favor of the Decazeville miners, alongside Jules Guesde, Paul Lafargue and Étienne Susini. But for now, it is the condition of her cousin Lucien Dacheux that concerns her:

« Son genou étant de plus en plus malade on l'envoie en congé de deux mois, mais il faut qu'il entre à l'hospice s'il ne veut pas rester estropié. De plus on n'a pu lui donner une mécanique pour son genou et en même temps le médecin lui disait que c'était indispensable - peut-être pourra-t-il en avoir une au Val de Grâce - je le recommande bien à vous et au citoyen Lafont - J'irai vous voir pour cela et une autre chose du même genre avant le 12 mais s'il était possible de faire entrer avant à l'hospice le petit Lucien Dacheux je serais bien heureuse car il sera tout à fait estropié et incapable de continuer son service où on est très content de lui. » ["His knee being increasingly ill, they are sending him on two months' leave, but he must be admitted to the hospice if he doesn't want to remain crippled. Moreover, they couldn't give him a mechanism for his knee while at the same time the doctor told him it was indispensable - perhaps he could get one at Val de Grâce - I recommend him highly to you and to citizen Lafont - I will come to see you about this and another matter of the same kind before the 12th, but if it were possible to have little Lucien Dacheux admitted to the hospice beforehand I would be very happy because he will be completely crippled and unable to continue his service where they are very pleased with him."]

Louise Michel met Clemenceau in October 1870 when he was mayor of Montmartre and she was assistant schoolmistress. From their first meeting was born a strong friendship that lasted until Louise Michel's death. Clemenceau never ceased to support her, particularly during her banishment to Nouméa, and they maintained an extensive correspondence.

A moving letter, testimony to the unwavering devotion of the former communard and to the great friendship that united Louise Michel to Georges Clemenceau.
€2,500
Louise MICHEL
"je n'ai pas trop compris la lettre du petit parce qu'il en est resté une bonne partie dans l'encrier"
Signed autograph letter addressed to Lucien Barrois
s. l. • [Paris] 20 avril 1885|11 x 17.70 cm|2 pages sur un bifeuillet et un feuillet encollé sur la 3e page
Autograph letter signed by Louise Michel addressed to Lucien Barrois; two pages written in black ink on a white paper bifolium with black border. One sheet in the hand of a naval adjutant from Brest pasted on the third page. Transverse folds inherent to postal delivery.
Louise Michel asks the recipient of this letter for advice regarding her young cousin: "Ignorant si Clémenceau aurait le temps d'écrire un mot de recommandation pour quelques leçons à mon petit cousin Dacheux je vous le dis d'abord afin que vous preniez un moment où ce sera possible pour le dire à Clemenceau. Je vous avoue que je n'ai pas trop compris la lettre du petit parce qu'il en est resté une bonne partie dans l'encrier il écrit si mal." ["Not knowing if Clémenceau would have time to write a word of recommendation for some lessons for my young cousin Dacheux, I tell you first so that you may find a moment when it would be possible to mention it to Clémenceau. I confess that I did not quite understand the boy's letter because a good part of it remained in the inkwell—he writes so poorly."]
Moving letter, testimony to the unwavering devotion of the former Communard.
€1,200
Louise MICHEL
" Il faut enfin que ce soit vous qui rappeliez cette pauvre femme qui a rendu tant de services."
Signed autograph letter addressed to Lucien Barrois
s. l. • [Paris] 12 juin 1885|11 x 16.90 cm|2 pages 1/2 sur un bifeuillet
Autograph letter signed by Louise Michel addressed to Lucien Barrois; two and a half pages written in black ink on a white paper bifolium with black border. Transverse folds inherent to postal delivery.
Louise Michel requests help for one of her acquaintances: "Madame Maron à qui Lafont ou Clémenceau avait fait avoir promesse à la mairie d'un terme de son loyer (elle en doit trois) n'a plus entendu parler de rien et il faut qu'elle déménage pour aller en face où elle paiera moins. Sa propriétaire l'aurait attendue avec un terme payé sur les trois. Il faut enfin que ce soit vous qui rappeliez cette pauvre femme qui a rendu tant de services." ["Madam Maron, for whom Lafont or Clémenceau had secured a promise from the town hall for one term of her rent (she owes three), has heard nothing more and must move across the street where she will pay less. Her landlady would have waited for her with one term paid out of the three. You must finally be the one to remind them of this poor woman who has rendered so many services."]
Moving letter, testimony to the unwavering devotion of the former Communard.
€1,000
Jean SENNEP
Lettre autographe signée à son ami Carlo Rim
S. n.|Paris 8 Avril 1931|13.50 x 20.50 cm|deux pages
Autograph letter signed (23 lines in black ink on Echo de Paris letterhead) from the illustrator and caricaturist Sennep, addressed to his friend the Provençal writer, caricaturist and filmmaker Carlo Rim about an article that Carlo Rim had published in his magazine "Vu" contravening artistic property: "Mon cher Carlo Rim, puisque tu es rédacteur en chef, je t'absous ! Et Vu en sera quitte pour les inévitables droits de reproduction que lui réclamera sans doute le syndicat de la propriété artistique. "L'incident sanglant" avait pour origine une reproduction intempestive de quinze ou vingt dessins (sans autorisation préalable, et sans indication d'origine et servant d'illustration à un article contre Léon Daudet. J'avais trouvé le procédé bizarre... Mais il n'est plus question de ça ! A bientôt, j'espère, et bien amicalement. J. Sennep." ["My dear Carlo Rim, since you are editor-in-chief, I absolve you! And Vu will get off with just the inevitable reproduction rights that the artistic property union will doubtless claim from it. 'The bloody incident' originated from an untimely reproduction of fifteen or twenty drawings (without prior authorization, and without indication of origin) serving as illustration for an article against Léon Daudet. I had found the procedure bizarre... But there's no more talk of that! See you soon, I hope, and very cordially. J. Sennep."]
Fold inherent to mailing, trace of rusty paper clip at head of the letter
Carlo Rim was a Provençal writer, author of "Ma belle Marseille", a caricaturist, a filmmaker and was notably the friend of Fernandel, Raimu and Marcel Pagnol but also of Max Jacob and André Salmon whom he met in Sanary.
€120
Amos TUTUOLA, Raymond QUENEAU
L'Ivrogne dans la Brousse
Gallimard|Paris 1953|12 x 19 cm|broché
First edition of the French translation established by Raymond Queneau, one of 86 numbered copies on pure thread paper, the only deluxe copies.
Fine copy.
€500
"I will come to see you to speak to you about naturalization I am appalled by the new law"
"I will come to see you to speak to you about naturalization I am appalled by the new law"
Guillaume APOLLINAIRE
"Vous avez senti mon âme comme personne."
Unpublished signed autograph letter addressed to Jean Royère after the release of Alcools
s. l. • [Paris] s. d. [ca. juin 1913]|15.70 x 24.50 cm|une page sur un feuillet
Unpublished autograph letter signed by Guillaume Apollinaire addressed to Jean Royère, one page written in black ink on a sheet. Transverse folds inherent to posting.
Very fine letter of thanks from poet to poet.
"I thank you for the admirable article you devoted to me. You have felt my soul like no one else." Jean Royère had indeed written a laudatory article upon the publication of Alcools in the June 20, 1913 issue of La Phalange: "Here, gathered in an 18mo of barely two hundred pages, is almost the entire poetic work of Apollinaire. Fifteen years of poetry rest in this small volume. I therefore do not open it without almost a preconceived admiration. In poetry, abundance means sterility and one only writes three volumes in a year through inability to devote one's life to a book. Apollinaire, evidently, will leave only one book of verse, like Baudelaire and Mallarmé, like Rimbaud: this is a considerable chance of immortality, for the true poet is one who has this too rare gift of condensation."
"[...] I will come to see you in the coming days to thank you first and also to speak to you about naturalization I am appalled by the new law."
The poet here alludes to the Three Year Law (dubbed the Barthou Law), increasing the duration of military service from two to three years in view of preparing the French army for a possible war with Germany. If Apollinaire's biography prefers to focus on the publication of his works in this year 1913, the letters his mother addresses to her son show that the latter moves heaven and earth to avoid military service and be naturalized as quickly as possible: "For your papers an Italian colonel attached to the ministry of war who was witness for your act of recognition had written to me once to give me the steps to follow so that you would be exempted from military service in Italy and for your French naturalization. I am going to write to him moreover to ask him to see to the Town Hall." (letter from Angelika Kostrowicka of July 12, 1913).
War would come soon and, on August 3, 1914, the day after mobilization, the stateless poet would file a request for voluntary enlistment accompanied by a naturalization request. The latter would only be granted to him in 1916.
An interesting letter, written at the dawn of the Great War, bearing witness to Guillaume Apollinaire's two passions: poetry and France.

€3,000
François CHENG
Souffle-esprit
Seuil|Paris 1989|15.50 x 24 cm|broché
The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Handsome copy despite two creases at the upper and lower right corners of the front cover.
Work illustrated with Chinese painting plates at the end of the volume.
Autograph inscription signed by François Cheng to Gilbert Lascault, pataphysician, art critic and specialist notably of the work of Jean Dubuffet, Pierre Alechinsky, Christian Boltanski: "... en très proche pensée" ["... in very close thought"] enhanced with a small drawing representing a Chinese ideogram.

€350
Simone de BEAUVOIR
La force de l'âge
Gallimard|Paris 1960|13.50 x 20 cm|reliure de l'éditeur
Edition of the same year as the first edition, one of the numbered copies.
Publisher's binding in full purple cloth boards, smooth spine with slight discoloration at foot.
Autograph inscription signed by Simone de Beauvoir to Micheline Lalin.
€1,200
Henri LABORIT
Dieu ne joue pas aux dés
Grasset|Paris 1987|14 x 22.50 cm|broché
First edition.
A handsome copy.
Rare and amusing signed autograph inscription from Henri Laborit to the cancer researcher and biologist Monique Castagna who made important contributions to understanding the genesis of cancer in the 1970s: "... en souhaitant qu'elle continue à jouer longtemps, non pas aux dés, mais à la protéine kinase C dont elle nous a déjà révélé les activités essentielles. Bien respectueusement. H. Laborit." ["...hoping that she will continue to play for a long time, not with dice, but with protein kinase C whose essential activities she has already revealed to us. Most respectfully. H. Laborit."]
€450
REMY
Le 18e jour - La tragédie de Léopold III roi des belges
Editions France-Empire|Paris 1976|15.50 x 24 cm|broché
First edition printed on ordinary paper.
Handsome copy
Autograph inscription signed by Colonel Rémy to Monique Maire.
€80