Jouaust, Damase (1834-1893)

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...

Edition illustrated by Julien Le Blant with 7 hors-texte etchings and a portrait of the author as frontispiece. Small print run on vellum. Fine engravings engraved by Champollion. Ornaments (initials, headpieces...) by Giacomelli.

Copy with the monogram G. A., unidentified. Interlaced English initials.

Contemporary full tender green morocco binding signed at bottom of front pastedown Bonleu. Smooth spine decorated with a fleuron at head and a special tool, the whole within elegant frames. Triple fillet frame on boards. Monogram at center of upper board. Wide inner decorative border. Top edge gilt. Light traces of rubbing. Spine having turned uniformly to light brown...

First illustrated edition, published in 1898 under the imprint of the Librairie des Bibliophiles, textually reprinting the first edition of 1838. The work is illustrated with 24 original colour lithographs by Alexandre Lunois. One of 100 deluxe copies on Japan or China paper, this copy on China paper, no. XLIII, numbered in ink and justified; the total edition was limited to 600 copies, the remaining 500 on Marais wove paper.

A particularly notable feature of the present copy is that all 24 compositions are present in three states - outline, black, and colour - making 72 impressions in all. As stated in the...

New edition, illustrated with 10 etchings by Léopold Flameng and engraved by André Salmon. A handsome edition, carefully printed on Dutch laid paper. Title pages in red and black.

Contemporary half-shagreen binding with corners. Spine with raised bands decorated with gilt compartments and inlaid with a central black fleuron. Gilt titles and date at foot. Separating fillets on boards. Top edge gilt. Uncut copy.

A very fine copy in superb condition.

First printing of the illustrated edition. One of 100 copies on Wattman from a special edition of 130 copies. 2 portraits of La Fontaine, one by Flameng, the second by Le Rat, and 12 plates by Emile Adan engraved by Le Rat, printed before letters. Title-pages printed in red and black. "This edition is illustrated with 12 charming drawings by Émile Adam" (Rochambeau). A handsome and refined bibliophile edition, made for late 19th-century collectors.

Contemporary 3/4 morocco binding signed Canape at the top of the first free endpaper. Flat spine, gilt title and volume number. Top edge gilt. Uncut throughout with wide margins. Spine slightly faded. Minor rubbing to the paper of the...

First printing of this edition illustrated with drawings by Delort engraved by Mongin. Small print run on vélin after 150 copies on deluxe paper. 14 plates on papier hollande. A frontispiece portrait. Preface by Judith Gautier.
Full bordeaux roan binding signed Bonleu (bottom of pastedown) with unidentified initials stamped in gilt, 2 interlaced English letters AC. Spine uniformly sunned, now light brown. Numerous gilt-tooled motifs on spine, ruled in gilt at head and foot of spine. Large inner dentelle numerously ruled and tooled in gilt. Traces of rubbing at heads of spine, joints and corners. Some scuffing along the joints. Some leaves protruding in volume...