<p>Supple and very light, this beautiful, silky, puffy paper is nonetheless considered the least prized of luxury limited issues, and is not even regarded as a true &ldquo;<em>grand papier</em>&rdquo; (large paper, or special paper issue). In France,&nbsp;<em>papier Alfa</em> is used for authors' copies, or limited copies with the highest number, often printed in large quantities. In England, where large paper copies are less common, Alfa became the default publishing paper from the end of the 19th century. Often inexpensive, copies on Alfa are very pleasant to read and offer a good approach to book collecting.</p>

First Editions on Alfa paper

Supple and very light, this beautiful, silky, puffy paper is nonetheless considered the least prized of luxury limited issues, and is not even regarded as a true “grand papier” (large paper, or special paper issue). In France, papier Alfa is used for authors' copies, or limited copies with the highest number, often printed in large quantities. In England, where large paper copies are less common, Alfa became the default publishing paper from the end of the 19th century. Often inexpensive, copies on Alfa are very pleasant to read and offer a good approach to book collecting.

678 results
First Editions on Alfa paper
  1. Lettres à des enfants
    Lewis CARROLL

    Lettres à des enfants

    Robert Marin|Paris 1949|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition of the French translation, one of the numbered copies on alfa paper, the only printing with 25 on pure linen paper.
    Handsome copy.
    €50
  2. Les mondes imaginaires
    André MAUROIS

    Les mondes imaginaires

    Grasset|Paris 1929|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of the numbered copies on alfa.
    A very attractive copy.
    €30
  3. Fragment d'un journal
    André MAUROIS

    Fragment d'un journal

    Editions du Sagittaire|Paris 1931|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of the numbered copies on alfa paper.
    Handsome copy despite a small tear of no consequence to the front endpaper.
    €30
  4. Le cercle de famille
    André MAUROIS

    Le cercle de famille

    Grasset|Paris 1932|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of the numbered copies on alfa.
    A very attractive copy.
    €30
  5. Etats-Unis 39
    André MAUROIS

    Etats-Unis 39

    Editions de France|Paris 1939|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of the numbered copies on alfa paper.
    Some foxing affecting the endpapers, otherwise a handsome copy.
    €30
  6. Hans le marin
    Édouard PEISSON

    Hans le marin

    Gallimard|Paris 1951|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of the numbered copies on alfa paper.
    Spine faded with a very slight lack at head.
    €30
  7. Délibérations
    Georges DUHAMEL

    Délibérations

    Les cahiers de Paris|Paris 1925|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 1425 numbered copies on alfa wove paper, the only issue with 50 Arches and 25 Madagascar.
    Some foxing.
    €25
  8. Le seigneur de la nef
    Luigi PIRANDELLO

    Le seigneur de la nef

    Stock|Paris 1934|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition in French, one of 65 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only deluxe copies.
    Upper portion of first cover faded, otherwise a handsome copy.
    €100
  9. Combats avec tes défenseurs
    Pierre EMMANUEL

    Combats avec tes défenseurs

    Seghers|Paris 1942|18 x 23 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 900 numbered copies on alfa, the only issue with 17 Auvergne and 82 Arches. Some foxing affecting the last leaves.
    €30
  10. Les intimes
    Maurice TOESCA

    Les intimes

    Gallimard|Paris 1946|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of the numbered copies on alfa paper.
    Autograph inscription by the author.
    Handsome copy.
    €30
  11. Le savant
    Henry CHURCH

    Le savant

    S. n.|s. l. s. d. [circa 1935]|19 x 23.50 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 35 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only deluxe copies.
    Handsome copy.
    €150
  12. Le soleil de Mars
    Charles BRAIBANT

    Le soleil de Mars

    Denoël|Paris 1938|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 140 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only deluxe copies with 14 on Holland paper and 25 on pur fil.
    Handsome copy despite a small angular tear neatly repaired to the front cover.
    €40
  13. Adieu, chansons!
    Rosamond LEHMANN

    Adieu, chansons!

    Plon|Paris 1940|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition of the French translation, one of 50 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only deluxe copies with 23 pur fil.
    A minor tear of no consequence to the back board.
    €45
  14. La vie intime
    Hermann KEYSERLING

    La vie intime

    Stock|Paris 1933|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 484 numbered copies on alfa.

    A very good copy.
    €45
  15. Introduction à quelques oeuvres
    Paul CLAUDEL

    Introduction à quelques oeuvres

    La maison des amis des livres|Paris 1920|18.50 x 24.50 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 950 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only printing along with 75 on pure linen.
    Handsome copy.
    €40
  16. Le pays qui n'est à personne
    Jean CASSOU

    Le pays qui n'est à personne

    Emile-Paul frères|Paris 1928|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 1000 numbered copies on alfa paper.
    Handsome copy despite a small marginal stain on the first cover.
    €35
  17. Sous les drapeaux morts
    Henry de MONTHERLANT

    Sous les drapeaux morts

    Editions du Capitole|Paris 1929|14 x 19.50 cm|broché
    First edition, one of the numbered copies on alfa paper. Work illustrated by E. Legrand.
    Handsome copy.
    €35
  18. Le droit de varech
    Georges HUGNET

    Le droit de varech

    Editions de la Montagne|Paris 1930|17 x 22.50 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 400 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only issue with 10 on Japan paper, 25 on Holland paper and 65 on vellum.
    Worming to endpapers, otherwise a handsome copy.
    €60
  19. Non possumus
    Julien BENDA

    Non possumus

    Nrc|Paris 1946|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 920 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only printing with 25 on Annam and 50 on Rives.
    Frontispiece portrait of the author by A. Bihiet de sainte-Marie.
    Handsome copy.
    €40
  20. La renarde
    Marie WEBB

    La renarde

    Editions du siècle|Paris 1933|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition in French, one of 515 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only deluxe copies with 15 on Holland paper.
    A handsome copy.
    €30
  21. Tsatsa-Minnka
    Panaït ISTRATI

    Tsatsa-Minnka

    Rieder|Paris 1931|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 250 numbered copies on alfa teinté.
    A very good copy.
    €50
  22. Le miroir des amazones
    Charles-Julien MELAYE

    Le miroir des amazones

    J. Fort|Paris 1919|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 600 copies on alfa paper numbered and initialed by the author.
    Pastiches of G. Apollinaire, T. Botrel, A. Bonnard, J. Cocteau, P. Claudel, H. de régnier among others.
    Handsome copy.
    €45
  23. Un besoin de malheur
    Alain BOSQUET

    Un besoin de malheur

    Grasset|Paris 1963|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 49 numbered copies on alfa paper, ours being one of 14 hors commerce copies, the only deluxe copies.
    A very handsome copy.
    €60
  24. Les petites éternités
    Alain BOSQUET

    Les petites éternités

    Grasset|Paris 1964|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 29 numbered copies on alfa paper, ours one of 14 hors commerce copies, the only deluxe copies.
    A very handsome copy.
    €60
  25. Deuxième testament
    Alain BOSQUET

    Deuxième testament

    Gallimard|Paris 1959|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 25 numbered copies on alfa paper, ours one of 5 hors commerce copies, the only deluxe copies.
    A very handsome copy.
    €60
  26. Monsieur Vaudeville
    Alain BOSQUET

    Monsieur Vaudeville

    Grasset|Paris 1973|12.50 x 19.50 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 24 numbered copies on alfa paper, ours being one of 14 hors commerce copies, the only deluxe copies.
    Very handsome copy.
    €60
  27. L'amour à deux têtes
    Alain BOSQUET

    L'amour à deux têtes

    Grasset|Paris 1970|13 x 19.50 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 26 numbered copies on alfa paper, ours being one of 14 hors commerce copies, the only deluxe copies.
    Very handsome copy.
    €60
  29. Un coeur fier
    Pearl BUCK

    Un coeur fier

    Stock|Paris 1939|13 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition in French, one of 550 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only issue with 25 hors commerce copies.
    Spine lightly sunned, a small harmless stain on the front cover, otherwise a handsome copy.
    €45
  30. Sur Corneille Racine et Bossuet
    Ernest RENAN

    Sur Corneille Racine et Bossuet

    Les cahiers de Paris|Paris 1926|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of the numbered copies on alfa vellum, the only issue along with 25 Madagascar and 50 Arches.
    Handsome copy.
    €40
  31. Pas perdus
    FAGUS

    Pas perdus

    Le Divan|Paris 1926|14 x 20.50 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 900 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only issue with 100 on Japan paper.
    Spine slightly faded as usual, otherwise a handsome copy.
    €45
  32. Les éphémères
    FAGUS

    Les éphémères

    Le Divan|Paris 1925|14 x 20 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 900 numbered copies on Alfa paper, the only issue with 100 copies on Japan paper.
    Spine and boards slightly faded as usual, otherwise a handsome copy.
    €30
  33. Le coup de grâce
    Joseph KESSEL

    Le coup de grâce

    Les Editions de France|Paris 1931|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of the numbered copies on alfa paper.
    An ink stain on the second cover.
    €40
  34. L'Allemagne et moi
    JEROME K. JEROME

    L'Allemagne et moi

    Editions de la Nouvelle revue critique|Paris 1932|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition of the French translation, one of 40 numbered copies on alfa paper, ours bearing number 1, the only deluxe copies.
    Illustrated covers, two tiny marginal lacks to boards.
    €150
  35. Une bonne à six
    S. ETCHART

    Une bonne à six

    Julliard|Paris 1962|12.50 x 21.50 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 300 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only deluxe copies.
    Handsome copy.
    €45
  36. Rome
    Abel BONNARD

    Rome

    Hachette|Paris 1931|15 x 22.50 cm|broché
    First edition, one of the numbered copies on alfa paper. A tape mark on one joint, three small ink stains on the front cover, one very slightly affecting the endpaper, printed bookplate.
    €35
  37. Le 'joueur' et le sapajou
    Roger GAILLARD

    Le 'joueur' et le sapajou

    Calmann-Lévy|Paris 1955|14 x 19.50 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 50 numbered copies on vélin alfama paper, the only deluxe copies.
    Autograph inscription from Roger Gaillard to one of his friends, Yvonne Serève.
    Together with an autograph letter from R. Gaillard to the same recipient.
    Handsome copy of these delightful memoirs of a man of the theatre.
    €100
  38. Federigo
    René LAPORTE

    Federigo

    Nagel|Paris 1945|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 125 numbered copies on alfa, the only deluxe copies with 40 on Arches.
    Handsome copy.
    €50
  39. Les Auligny
    Henry de MONTHERLANT

    Les Auligny

    Amiot-Dumont|Paris 1956|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of the numbered copies on alfa paper.
    Autograph inscription signed by Henri de Montherlant, with a press cutting relating to the work laid in.
    Handsome copy.
    €80
  40. Le jubilé
    JEAN PAUL

    Le jubilé

    Stock|Paris 1930|13 x 19 cm|broché
    First French edition with preface established by A. Béguin, one of the numbered copies on alfa paper, the only printing.
    Handsome copy.
    €30
  41. Précisions
    Jean GIONO

    Précisions

    Grasset|Paris 1939|14.50 x 19.50 cm|broché
    First edition, one of the numbered copies on alfa paper.
    A small tear reglued at foot of one joint, otherwise handsome copy.
    €50
  42. Combat avec l'ange
    Jean GIRAUDOUX

    Combat avec l'ange

    Grasset|Paris 1934|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of the numbered copies on alfa.
    A very good copy.
    €30
  43. Clara des jours
    Georges RIBEMONT-DESSAIGNES

    Clara des jours

    Les cahiers du sud|Marseille 1927|14 x 19.50 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 600 numbered copies on alfa, the only issue with 17 Madagascar and 36 vellum.
    A photographic portrait of the author.
    Gift inscription in pen on the front free endpaper, handsome copy.
    €100
  44. Une nuit chez Cromwell
    Georges SUAREZ

    Une nuit chez Cromwell

    Les Editions de France|Paris 1930|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 367 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only deluxe copies with 69 on pur fil.
    Signed by the author on the title page.
    €50
  45. Fin de Siegfried
    Jean GIRAUDOUX

    Fin de Siegfried

    Grasset|Paris 1934|14 x 19.50 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 600 numbered copies on alfa.
    A very good copy.
    €30
  46. L'homme aux gants de toile
    Jean de LA VARENDE

    L'homme aux gants de toile

    Grasset|Paris 1943|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 500 numbered copies on alfa.
    Foxing affecting mainly the margins.
    €60
  47. Isola
    (to Jean AJALBERT) Rose CELLI

    Isola

    Gallimard|Paris 1932|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 292 numbered copies on pur fil, the only deluxe copies with 200 on alfa.
    Autograph inscription by the author to Jean Ajalbert.
    Minor stains on spine and front cover without consequence, handsome interior condition.
    €70
  48. Joies et douleurs d'une belle excentrique
    Élise JOUHANDEAU

    Joies et douleurs d'une belle excentrique

    Flammarion|Paris 1952|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 110 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only deluxe copies with 30 on Lana paper.
    Bookplate pasted to verso of front cover, handsome copy.
    €50
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