Wove paper, invented by James Whatman for the English publisher John Baskerville, is distinguishable by the absence of chain and wire lines in its overall finish.
It earned its French name “papier vélin” for its similar appearance to the ancient vellum skin that preceded the invention of paper. Over the centuries, some very rare copies were still printed on vellum calfskin, as a special order for distinguished patrons.
Smooth and satiny, generally perfectly white, wove paper is homogeneous, without grain or texture. The reader appreciates its clarity rather than its innate beauty. The frequently attached term "Pur fil", means "abundant" (but rarely an exclusive composition) in linen and hemp, like the rag papers of yesteryear. Its supple feel invites insatiable reading and is ideal for the discovery of unknown texts and new authors.
First edition printed from the Vatican archives, one of 27 numbered copies on pure linen paper, deluxe copy.
Rare and fine copy.
Commentary by Raymond Ritter.
First edition, one of 35 numbered copies on superior vellum, ours one of 5 hors commerce copies, the only deluxe copies.
Spine sunned, otherwise a handsome copy.
Rare.
First edition, one of 50 numbered copies on deluxe paper, the only deluxe copies.
Spine and boards marginally sunned, small lacks to the plastic film covering the boards at their margins.
First edition, one of 796 numbered copies on pur fil paper, the only grands papiers (deluxe copies) after 109 reimposed.
Full green board Bradel binding, title piece in glazed yellow calf, covers and spine preserved, contemporary binding.
Presentation copy inscribed by André Breton: “à Edmond Jaloux, hommage très dévoué. André Breton” “To Edmond Jaloux, a very devoted tribute. André Breton”.
Edmond Jaloux, who was one of the earliest promoters of surrealism, wrote at the release of this atypical novel and misunderstood by most of his contemporaries, the most laudatory article of the time, concluding with this admiring admission of the impotence of...
First edition, one of 85 numbered copies on pur fil, deluxe copies after 36 on Holland paper.
Handsome copy.
The first part of Féerie pour une autre fois having failed to achieve the expected success, Céline wished to surround the release of the second part - Normance - with maximum publicity and restore his reputation after his years of exile in Germany and Denmark. Wishing to distance himself from the solemn form of the publisher's slip, he proposed to Gaston Gallimard this eulogy written in the manner of an imaginary interview between himself and Professor Y alias Colonel Réséda, a prostatic old man. The text of this zany « interviouwe » would be...
