Plon|Paris 1954-1959|14.50 x 23 cm|3 volumes brochés
First edition, one of 425 numbered copies on pur fil paper, the tirage de tête after 69 on Hollande. With: an autograph note signed by Général de Gaulle in facsimile. Covers and spine sunned at edges, not heavily; internally good.
First edition, one of 60 numbered copies on Japan paper, the tirage de tête. Superb black morocco by Semet & Plumelle, spine in five compartments, gilt date to foot, gilt roulettes to headpieces, seven gilt fillet frame to pastedowns of light green moiré silk, endpapers of moiré effect paper, gilt fillets to edges of covers, covers and spine preserved, top edge gilt; slipcase edged with the same morocco and lined with rust-colored felt. Autograph inscription signed by François Mauriac to the Countess Du Bourg de Bozas. Ex-libris of the latter laid down on endpaper. A fine copy, perfectly bound.
Calmann-Lévy|Paris 1877|15.50 x 24 cm|2 volumes reliés
First edition on ordinary paper. Handsome autograph inscription signed from the author to Léon Bienvenu, known as Touchatout, to first volume. Half light brown shagreen over marbled paper boards with gilt fillets, spine in six compartments with little gilt fleurons, gilt initials L.B. (Léon Bienvenu) to foot, top edge gilt. Scattered spotting as often (according to Clouzot). The publication of La Légende des siècles stretched over 24 years, following the author’s rhythm of writing; the two first volumes appeared in 1859, the next two in 1877, and the final volume in 1883. Library stamp and manuscript catalog number by Léon Bienvenu to title.
First edition. Contemporary Bradel binding of ochre cloth-colored cloth percaline, date to foot of spine, covers preserved. Some stains, not serious, otherwise a good copy, nicely bound.
First edition for which there were only 21 pur fil paper large paper copies, an advance (service de presse) copy. Autograph inscription signed by Marguerite Yourcenar to Pierre Audiat. Spine and covers slightly and marginally sunned, two small lacks to head of spine. Rare autograph inscription signed by the author.
Second edition, first for some parts, with a previously unpublished preface. Near-contemporary maroon cloth Bradel binding by Pierson, spine (sunned) with gilt fleuron, date and double gilt fillets to foot, dark green shagreen title-piece (slightly scratched), spots of discoloration to covers. Rare and handsome autograph inscription signed by Eugène Fromentin to Anatole France.