<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">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.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It earned its French name &ldquo;papier v&eacute;lin&rdquo; 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.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">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.</span></p>

First Editions on Wove Paper

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.

2489 results
First Editions on Wove Paper
  1. Les douze pas des Muses
    Vincent MUSELLI

    Les douze pas des Muses

    Presses de Pierre Gaudin|Paris 1952|19.50 x 28.50 cm|en feuilles
    First edition, one of 473 numbered copies on Lana vellum, the only issue with 7 Japan and 50 pur fil.
    Fine autograph inscription signed by Vincent Muselli.
    Handsome copy.
    €80
  2. Le passage des anges
    Odilon-Jean PÉRIER

    Le passage des anges

    Gallimard|Paris 1926|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 894 numbered copies on pure laid paper, the only deluxe copies with 109 reimposed.
    Handsome copy.
    €35
  3. Les fiancés du Havre
    Raoul DUFY, Armand SALACROU

    Les fiancés du Havre

    Gallimard|Paris 1944|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of the numbered copies on châtaignier paper, the only deluxe copies with 13 on pur fil.
    With frontispiece portrait of the author by R. Dufy.
    Handsome copy retaining publisher's wraparound band.
    €40
  4. Les amants puérils
    Fernand CROMMELYNCK

    Les amants puérils

    Editions de la Sirène|Paris 1921|13.50 x 17 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 300 numbered copies on wove paper, the only deluxe copies with 5 Japan and 25 Holland.
    Fine copy.
    €45
  5. Confidences à propos de ma bibliothèque
    Jules CLARETIE

    Confidences à propos de ma bibliothèque

    A. Quantin|Paris 1885|20 x 29 cm|broché
    First edition printed in 102 copies, ours one of the 100 on laid paper, of this offprint from 'Le Livre' of March 10, 1885.
    With frontispiece engraved portrait of the author, in-text illustrations.
    A small lack at foot of spine, an angular lack to second board, otherwise a handsome copy.
    €70
  6. Antigone ou l'idylle en Crète
    Claire SAINTE-SOLINE

    Antigone ou l'idylle en Crète

    Rieder|Paris 1936|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 50 numbered copies on Bible vellum, the only deluxe copies along with 15 on pure linen.
    Handsome copy.
    €35
  7. A tort ou à raison
    Claude ROY

    A tort ou à raison

    Gallimard|Paris 1955|12.50 x 19.50 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 25 numbered copies on pur fil paper, the only deluxe copies.
    Spine lightly sunned, otherwise a handsome copy.
    €50
  8. L'esprit du coeur
    Maurice TOESCA

    L'esprit du coeur

    R. Cayla|Paris 1946|12 x 18 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 225 numbered copies on vélin, the only printing with 50 chiffon.
    €40
  9. L'amitié de Stéphane Mallarmé et de Georges Rodenbach
    Stéphane MALLARMÉ, Georges RODENBACH

    L'amitié de Stéphane Mallarmé et de Georges Rodenbach

    P. Caillier|Genève [Geneva] 1949|12.50 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 1500 numbered copies on chamois laid paper.
    Previously unpublished letters and texts, preface by H. Mondor.
    Handsome copy.
    €45
  10. Où en est la science?
    Eugène MARSAN

    Où en est la science?

    A la lampe d'Aladdin|Liège 1927|17.50 x 22.50 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 520 numbered copies on tinted laid paper, the only issue with 1 Japan, 1 Montval, 58 Montgolfier.
    Concerning notably A. Einstein.
    €40
  11. La patache d'amour
    Edmond PANET

    La patache d'amour

    Edition bibliophile réservée|Paris 1941|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 1000 numbered copies on 'Olympic' vellum paper, the only issue with 100 on Offset cream.
    Signed and dated by the author.
    Work illustrated with a portrait and drawings by the author.
    Spine sunned, otherwise a handsome copy.
    €50
  12. Tome VIII
    Léon LASCOUTX

    Tome VIII

    C. Bosse|Paris 1937|16.50 x 23 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 250 hors commerce copies on Rives paper numbered and signed by the publisher, the only printing with 25 Japan and 125 tinted Rives.
    Work illustrated with 8 original etchings by J.A. Mercier.
    Light worming to the endpaper, otherwise a handsome copy.
    €50
  13. L'honorable partie de campagne
    Thomas RAUCAT

    L'honorable partie de campagne

    Nrf|Paris 1924|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 792 numbered copies on pure rag paper, the only deluxe copies after 110 reimposed.
    Spine sunned with three small stains, handsome interior condition.
    €30
  14. Aparté
    Jacques de LACRETELLE

    Aparté

    Gallimard|Paris 1927|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 1257 numbered copies on handmade paper, the only deluxe copies with 114 reimposed.
    Handsome copy.
    €35
  16. Détresse du 'Samoa'
    Alain SERDAC

    Détresse du 'Samoa'

    Editions des portiques|Paris 1931|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 35 numbered copies on pur fil paper, the only deluxe copies.
    Handsome copy.
    €80
  18. Héritage
    Anthony WEST

    Héritage

    Gallimard|Paris 1958|14.50 x 21 cm|broché
    First edition in French, one of 41 numbered copies on handmade paper, the only deluxe copies.
    Handsome copy with unfaded spine as is generally the case.
    €80
  19. Les mots à la gorge
    Jean SULIVAN

    Les mots à la gorge

    Gallimard|Paris 1969|15 x 22 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 50 numbered copies on pur fil paper, the only deluxe copies.
    Very handsome copy.
    €50
  20. Le théâtre de Jean Giraudoux
    (Jean GIRAUDOUX) Jacques HOULET

    Le théâtre de Jean Giraudoux

    P. Ardent|Paris 1945|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 105 numbered copies on pur fil, the only deluxe copies.
    Handsome copy.
    €100
  21. Airs pour l'écho
    Henri de RÉGNIER

    Airs pour l'écho

    Chamontin|Paris 1933|13 x 19.50 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 80 numbered copies on Hollande vellum, deluxe issue with 30 on pur fil.
    Light foxing to edges, otherwise a handsome copy.
    €50
  22. Le cadran lunaire
    André PIEYRE DE MANDIARGUES

    Le cadran lunaire

    Robert Laffont|Paris 1958|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 30 numbered copies on pur fil, this one not justified, the only large paper copies.
    A very good copy.
    €280
  23. L'éternel procès
    Marcel JOUHANDEAU

    L'éternel procès

    Gallimard|Paris 1959|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 110 numbered copies on pur fil, the only deluxe copies with 30 Hollande and 10 hors commerce.
    Fine copy, bookplate pasted on endpaper.
    €70
  24. Le passage des anges
    Odilon-Jean PÉRIER

    Le passage des anges

    Nrf|Paris 1926|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 894 numbered copies on pure thread paper, the only deluxe copies with 109 reimposed.
    Handsome copy.
    €25
  25. Lord Algernon
    Pierre GIRARD

    Lord Algernon

    Kra|Paris 1925|18 x 17.50 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 125 numbered copies on pur fil, the only deluxe copies with 4 Japan and 20 Holland.
    With a frontispiece portrait of Lord Algernon, handsome full-margined copy.
    €70
  26. Ana de madame Apremont
    Marcel JOUHANDEAU

    Ana de madame Apremont

    Gallimard|Paris 1954|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 125 numbered copies on pur fil, the only deluxe copies with 43 on Holland paper.
    Very fine copy.
    €80
  27. Sur une route de cyprès
    André LEBEY

    Sur une route de cyprès

    Bibliothèque de l'Occident|Paris 1904|16.50 x 25 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 164 copies numbered by the author on tinted vellum, the only issue with 3 Japon, 3 Chine, 5 Whatman and 25 Hollande.
    One lack at head of spine, otherwise rare and handsome copy.
    Beautiful autograph inscription signed by André Lebey with a manuscript correction on page 89, beautiful illustrated cover.
    €230
  28. La seconde porte
    Claude FARRÈRE

    La seconde porte

    Flammarion|Paris 1945|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 550 numbered copies on Vosges laid paper, the only deluxe copies along with 110 on pure thread paper.
    Autograph inscription signed by Claude Farrère to his private secretary Alfred Sexer, handsome copy.
    €50
  29. Suite familière
    Léon-Paul FARGUE

    Suite familière

    Gallimard|Paris 1929|19.50 x 25 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 499 numbered copies on pure laid paper.
    Two small stains of no consequence to the spine, slight marginal discoloration to the front cover.
    €50
  30. L'oncle Henri
    Marcel JOUHANDEAU

    L'oncle Henri

    Gallimard|Paris 1943|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of the numbered copies on chestnut paper, the only printing with 13 on pure linen.
    €30
  31. D'après Paris
    Léon-Paul FARGUE

    D'après Paris

    Nrf|Paris 1931|19 x 23.50 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 500 numbered copies on laid paper, the only deluxe copies after 13 China and 41 Holland.
    Handsome copy.
    €70
  32. Ariane
    Georges RIBEMONT-DESSAIGNES

    Ariane

    Editions du Sagittaire|Paris 1925|12 x 16 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 700 numbered copies on vélin, the only printing with 50 Japon.
    €50
  33. Anicet ou le panorama
    Louis ARAGON

    Anicet ou le panorama

    Nrf|Paris 1921|13 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 940 numbered copies on pur fil, the only deluxe copies with 120 reimposed.
    Scattered foxing.
    €80
  34. Le point cardinal
    Michel LEIRIS

    Le point cardinal

    S. Kra|Paris 1927|12 x 15.50 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 750 numbered copies on Rives laid paper, the only issue with 25 Japan copies.
    Handsome copy.
    €80
  35. Le père humilié
    Paul CLAUDEL

    Le père humilié

    Nrf|Paris 1920|13 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 1040 numbered copies on wove paper.
    Spine sunned with small lack at head, handsome interior condition.
    €50
  36. L'école des filles
    Marcel JOUHANDEAU

    L'école des filles

    Gallimard|Paris 1960|14.50 x 20.50 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 105 numbered copies on pur fil, the only deluxe copies along with 30 on Holland paper and 10 on colored papers hors commerce.
    Very handsome copy.
    €80
  37. Les argonautes
    Marcel JOUHANDEAU

    Les argonautes

    Grasset|Paris 1959|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 162 numbered copies on pure linen paper, deluxe issue after 52 on Montval.
    Handsome copy.
    €80
  38. Quelques notes
    Paul VALÉRY

    Quelques notes

    S. n.|Paris 1928|23 x 28 cm|broché
    First edition printed in 100 copies on pure laid paper and not put in trade.
    Handsome copy.
    €50
  39. L'école des filles
    Marcel JOUHANDEAU

    L'école des filles

    Gallimard|Paris 1960|14.50 x 20.50 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 105 numbered copies on pure wove paper, the only deluxe copies with 10 hors commerce copies on colored paper and 30 on Holland paper.
    A very handsome copy.
    €80
  40. Jaunisse suivie de Elisaeana
    Marcel JOUHANDEAU

    Jaunisse suivie de Elisaeana

    Gallimard|Paris 1956|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 58 numbered copies on pur fil paper, the only deluxe copies with the hors commerce copies in colors and 30 on Holland paper.
    A small marginal stain of no consequence on the first cover affecting more lightly the endpaper, otherwise handsome copy.
    €80
  41. Aux quatre coins
    Marcel VIGUIER

    Aux quatre coins

    Collection Double visage|s. l. 1947|14.50 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 120 numbered copies on white vellum, the only issue with 22 other white vellum copies enriched with the complete suite of illustrations.
    Work illustrated with 4 drawings by G. Puel.
    Handsome copy.
    €80
  42. Le livre et la bouteille
    André SALMON

    Le livre et la bouteille

    C. Bloch|Paris 1920|14 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 500 numbered copies on pur fil, the only printing with 25 on Holland paper.
    Handsome copy with covers very lightly and marginally faded.
    €50
  43. Le conte futur
    Paul ADAM

    Le conte futur

    Lib. de l'Art indépendant|Paris 1893|14.50 x 20 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 500 numbered copies on vellum, ours unnumbered, the only printing along with 10 on Holland paper.
    Fine illustrated cover.
    Foxing to endpapers, otherwise handsome copy.
    €70
  44. Le langage de la tribu
    Marcel JOUHANDEAU

    Le langage de la tribu

    Gallimard|Paris 1955|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 110 numbered copies on pur fil paper, the only deluxe copies with 30 on Holland paper.
    Handsome copy.
    €80
  45. Divertissements
    Marcel JOUHANDEAU

    Divertissements

    Gallimard|Paris 1965|12.50 x 20 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 76 numbered copies on pur fil paper, the only deluxe copies with 31 on Holland paper and 10 copies reserved for the author on colored paper.
    Handsome copy.
    €80
  46. Vulturne
    Léon-Paul FARGUE

    Vulturne

    Nrf|Paris 1928|19.50 x 25 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 499 numbered copies on pure wire.
    Tear and lack at head of spine, otherwise handsome copy.
    €50
  47. La maison du peuple
    Louis GUILLOUX

    La maison du peuple

    Grasset|Paris 1927|13 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 95 numbered copies on pur fil, deluxe issue after 21 Annam.
    Minor spotting to spine, otherwise handsome copy.
    €150
  48. Plainte contre inconnu
    Pierre DRIEU LA ROCHELLE

    Plainte contre inconnu

    Nrf|Paris 1924|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 792 numbered copies on pur fil, the only deluxe copies with 108 reimposed.
    Some minor worming without gravity, otherwise handsome copy.
    €170
  49. Tel qu'en songe
    Henri de RÉGNIER

    Tel qu'en songe

    Lib. de l'Art indépendant|Paris 1892|15 x 20.50 cm|broché
    First edition, one of the numbered copies on tinted laid paper, ours unnumbered.
    Spine and boards slightly and very marginally faded, otherwise a rare and handsome copy.
    €80
  50. Humoristiques
    Roger VITRAC

    Humoristiques

    Nrf|Paris 1927|13 x 18.50 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 693 numbered copies on laid paper, the only issue with 1 unique Japan copy and 16 Japan copies.
    Frontispiece with a portrait of the author by A. Savinio engraved on wood by G. Aubert.
    Handsome copy.
    €50
  51. Le coeur d'or
    Philippe SOUPAULT

    Le coeur d'or

    Grasset|Paris 1927|13.50 x 20.50 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 98 numbered copies on pur fil paper, the only deluxe copies with 10 Madagascar and 25 Arches.
    Minor marginal tears without gravity at foot of spine and on boards, a full-margined copy.
    €170
  52. Mille et un plis
    Michel BUTOR

    Mille et un plis

    Gallimard|Paris 1985|12.50 x 20 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 26 numbered copies on pure rag paper, the only deluxe copies.
    A very handsome copy.
    €150
  53. Quadruple fond
    Michel BUTOR

    Quadruple fond

    Gallimard|Paris 1981|12.50 x 20 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 21 numbered copies on pure thread paper, the only deluxe copies.
    Very handsome copy.
    €150
  54. Illustrations IV
    Michel BUTOR

    Illustrations IV

    Gallimard|Paris 1976|15 x 22 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 30 numbered copies on Arches laid paper, the only deluxe copies.
    Handsome copy.
    €150
  55. Illustrations III
    Michel BUTOR

    Illustrations III

    Gallimard|Paris 1973|15 x 22 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 31 numbered copies on pur fil, the only deluxe copies.
    Fine copy.
    €150
  56. Intervalle
    Michel BUTOR

    Intervalle

    Gallimard|Paris 1973|12.50 x 20 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 31 numbered copies on pur fil, the only deluxe copies.
    Very fine copy.
    €150
  57. Second sous-sol
    Michel BUTOR

    Second sous-sol

    Gallimard|Paris 1976|12.50 x 20 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 21 numbered copies on laid paper, the only deluxe copies.
    Very handsome copy.
    €200
  58. Terre promise
    André MAUROIS

    Terre promise

    Flammarion|Paris 1946|12 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 165 numbered copies on laid paper, deluxe copy.
    Minor worming to spine and edges, otherwise a handsome copy.
    €70
  59. Stendhal méconnu
    (STENDHAL) Henri MARTINEAU

    Stendhal méconnu

    Les terrasses de Lourmarin|Lourmarin 1935|11.50 x 19 cm|broché
    First edition, one of 300 numbered copies on vélin.
    A good copy.
    €40
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