Paris

First edition, of which only 500 copies were issued. With an etched frontispiece portrait of Théophile Gautier by Émile Thérond.

With a substantial prefatory letter by Victor Hugo.

Full red morocco binding, gilt date at the foot of spine, marbled endpapers, Baudelairian ex-libris from Renée Cortot’s collection on the first endpaper, wrappers preserved, top edge gilt. Pale foxing affecting the first and last leaves, beautiful copy perfectly set.

Autograph letter signed on four pages, dated 12 November 1851. 124 lines in black ink.

This letter is presented in a chemise and slipcase with paper boards decorated with abstract motifs, green morocco spine, green suede doublure, slipcase with morocco spine and matching paper boards signed by Thomas Boichot.

Unpublished autograph letter on progress, signed by Pierre-Joseph-Marie Proudhon, major figure in French social thought, and  “the father of...

First edition, one of 50 numbered copies on Japan, deluxe copies ("tirage de tête").
Two small tears in the head and foot of the spine, nice copy wide-margined.

First edition, rare, and illustrated with numerous woodcuts in the text including 11 vignettes, one large figure (p.179), 4 coats of arms and 14 miniature portraits.

Copy with 19th-century armorial binding of Baron Pavée de Vendeuvre, with his motto: Ardeo persevero spero.
Contemporary full brown sheep binding. Spine with raised bands decorated. Brown sheep title label. Head restored with tooling renewed, several restorations to joints. Upper joint cracked at head. Numerous pagination errors.
The purpose of this study is to elevate funeral ceremonies to the level of fine arts practice in France. As a first example, Ménestrier describes the funeral rites of...

First illustrated edition. Collection Edouard Guillaume Lotus bleu. The cover is dated 1896, the title page 1897. A frontispiece in double state, black and sanguine, 6 plates and head-pieces, tailpieces... The whole delicately erotic by Mittis. Printed on white glazed laid paper. Ordinary issue after 50 numbered copies on Japan paper and 50 numbered copies on China paper. Original wrappers preserved.

Contemporary full black shagreen binding. Smooth spine decorated with 2 small mirrored tools at head and a stylized tulip on spine. Gilt fillet frame on covers. Interior border. Top edge gilt. Wide margins. Some occasional pale scattered foxing.

Very...