First World War

First edition, statement of thousand copies.
Small tears at head and foot of spine, one scratch at foot of spine with paper loss, slight marginal tears on boards.
Autograph inscription signed by Georges Guitton to Madame Joybert.

Autograph letter from the painter Pascal Dagnan-Bouveret, regarding one of his most famous paintings depicting future soldiers of the Great War, entitled "Les Conscrits", now held in the collections of the Assemblée nationale in Paris. 2 pages on a folded sheet.
Trained in the studios of Alexandre Cabanel and Jean-Léon Gérôme, Dagnan-Bouveret received the second prize of Rome. Of naturalist inspiration, he devoted himself to religious painting and had a prolific career as a portraitist at the end of his life. He received prestigious commissions from the Countess of Béarn and the New York Frick family.
Known for his Breton subjects in realistic style, Dagnan-Bouveret painted during 1890 young conscripts drawn by lot to perform their military service. The youngest is depicted draped in the tricolor flag which he brandishes. "If the painter Dagnan-Bouveret created realistic portraits of these conscripts, it is almost certain that these men experienced fire during the First World War" (cf. expositions.bnf)
"[...] J'ose à peine vous inviter à venir voir mon nouveau tableau "les Conscrits", et pourtant vous avez toujours pris tant d'intérêt à mes efforts que je me ferais des reproches de ne pas vous avoir prévenu. [...]" ["[...] I hardly dare invite you to come see my new painting 'the Conscripts', and yet you have always taken such interest in my efforts that I would reproach myself for not having warned you. [...]"]

Autograph letter signed by the military painter and illustrator Edouard Detaille to the Minister of War Adolphe Messimy, one folded sheet. The painter had been charged with renovating the French army uniform and delivers here a first version of the helmet, which would be reworked by Louis Adrian and used during the First World War.
The painter presents a prototype of his helmet and requests that a few hundred be made: "J'ai l'honneur de vous adresse le casque que j'ai fait fabriquer pour l'infanterie, et dont l'adoption dès maintenant avait été décidée pour la batterie à cheval de la garnison de Paris. Je tiens absolument à la propriété de ce modèle, que j'ai étudié avec grand soin, et qui ne saurait subir de modifications sous peine de perdre tout son caractère artistique et son côté pratique. Je me mets donc à votre disposition pour en assurer l'exécution. Il ne s'agit pas à proprement parler d'une fourniture : c'est un essai et il suffit de 200 à 250 casques environ. [...]" ["I have the honor of sending you the helmet that I had manufactured for the infantry, and whose adoption from now on had been decided for the horse battery of the Paris garrison. I am absolutely committed to the ownership of this model, which I have studied with great care, and which could not undergo modifications without losing all its artistic character and practical aspect. I therefore put myself at your disposal to ensure its execution. It is not strictly speaking a supply: it is a trial and only about 200 to 250 helmets are needed. [...]"]. This first version was presented to the public and described in an article in Gil Blas January 24, 1912: "Ce casque est acier bleui avec cimier bronzé surmontant le milieu de la bombe. La visière et son cache-nuque sont uniformes, ce qui permet de le porter des deux faces. Le casque n'a ni endroit, ni envers, et il est ornementé de deux têtes de lion en acier servant à fixer la jugulaire, également en acier bronzé. Le côté gauche est garni d'une cocarde tricolore rajoutée" ["This helmet is blued steel with a bronzed crest surmounting the middle of the bowl. The visor and its neck guard are uniform, which allows it to be worn on both sides. The helmet has neither front nor back, and it is ornamented with two steel lion heads used to attach the chin strap, also in bronzed steel. The left side is fitted with an added tricolor cockade"].

First edition printed on ordinary paper.
Illustrated cover.
One tear at the foot of the spine.
Signed autograph inscription from Pierre Mille to Jean Morienval.

First edition on ordinary paper.
Small marginal tears at head of spine and on boards.
Autograph inscription signed by Henry Malherbe to Edouard Schneider: "... ami sensible, équitable et fin..." ["...sensitive, fair and refined friend..."]

First edition for each of the volumes with print runs varying from 297 to 1,250 numbered copies on pure thread paper, the only deluxe copies along with the reimposed copies.
Spines and front covers of volumes 4 and 6 partially sunned, one endpaper foxed, otherwise handsome set.

First edition, one of 38 numbered copies on wove paper, ours one of 18 hors commerce copies, the only deluxe copies.
Fine copy.
Autograph inscription signed by Paul Allard to Louis Cheronnet: "... en souvenir d'un remords et d'une faute qui prive ce livre de tout sens philosophique. Paul Allard." ["... in memory of a remorse and a fault which deprives this book of all philosophical meaning. Paul Allard."]

Rare first edition.
Mute back insolated.
Signed autograph of Pierre Laflèche to a friend named Jean: "To my friend found Jean (illegible name), affectionate tribute on 15/3/18."

First edition, one of the review copies service.
Back with slight bites in the foot, small foxing on the upper edge.
Signed autograph of Jean Dutourd Jeanne Remy: "... by kissing him."

First edition with 2 illustrations by Sainte Marie Perrin.
Handsome copy with covers slightly and marginally sunned without consequence.

First edition of this third sketchbook of war by painter Lucien Jonas, one of 50 copies numbered by Lucien Jonas and hand-colored by the painter.
Publisher's full cream cloth binding, title and date on the front cover inscribed by Lucien Jonas's hand, complete with its cloth lace recalling the shoulder strap of the Poilus' knapsacks.
Handsome and rare copy.
Work illustrated with 53 sketches by Lucien Jonas which he colored and captioned as clearly stipulated in the justification page.

First edition, one of 115 copies on laid paper Lafuma-Navarre reimposed in Tellière quarto format, ours one of 10 hors commerce lettered copies, deluxe issue.
Spine slightly sunned, small tear at foot of first board, otherwise a handsome copy.

First edition, one of 122 copies on laid paper Lafuma-Navarre reimposed in Tellière quarto format, deluxe issue.
Spine slightly sunned, two small crease marks on boards, otherwise a handsome copy.

First edition, one of 122 copies on laid Lafuma-Navarre paper, reimposed in Tellière quarto format, ours one of 10 hors commerce lettered copies, deluxe copy.
Spine very lightly sunned, slight tear to margin of front cover, otherwise handsome copy.

First edition, one of 108 copies on vergé pur fil paper Lafuma-Navarre re-imposed in Tellière quarto format, the tirage de tête.
Spine discolored with small tears on the headpieces, otherwise nice set.

First edition, one of 108 copies on laid Lafuma-Navarre paper, reimposed in Tellière quarto format, deluxe copy.
Spine very lightly sunned, handsome copy.

First edition and complete collection of this magazine exclusively animated by Tristan Bernard at the same time editor-in-chief, leader, chief of the echoes, military critic and manager.
Binding in full white percaline, smooth back, rectangles of red and blue percaline in margins of boards, covers of each pamphlet preserved, Contemporary binding.
Signed autograph dedication of Tristan Bernard to Lucette Descaves at the head of the first pamphlet.

First edition, one of 118 numbered copies on Lafuma Navarre paper and reimposed in Tellière quarto format, deluxe copy.
Spine and boards very lightly and marginally sunned without significance.

First edition consisting of a suite of 12 illustrated plates with drawings by Dunoyer de Segonzac, one of 6 numbered copies on China paper, deluxe copy.
Publisher's chemise in red half-cloth, smooth unlettered spine, cream paper boards, title label pasted on first cover, chemise complete with all its ties.
Headcaps slightly rubbed and frayed.
Handsome and rare copy.

One of the most magnificent letters by Fernand Léger

A fabulous handwritten letter by the painter Fernand Léger, written on the front line during the Battle of Argonne, addressed to the Parisian art trader Adolphe Basler.
92 lines in black ink, four pages on a double leaf, dated 28 May 1915 by Léger.
The handwritten letter is presented with a half forest green morocco chemise, green paper boards with a stylised motif, endpapers lined with green lamb, slip case lined with the same morocco, the piece is signed by Goy & Vilaine.
The letter was chosen for Cécile Guilbert's anthology, Les Plus Belles Lettres manuscrites de Voltaire à Édith Piaf, Robert Laffont, 2014.

First edition, one of 10 numbered copies on Holland paper, the only deluxe copies.
Work illustrated by Rip and Henri Rudaux.
Small marginal lacks to boards, some foxing affecting mainly the endpapers.
A full-margined copy.

Partly first edition on current paper.
Ex-dono of the dedicatee at the head of a guard.
Illustrated book of 8 wood inserts Walch Le Tannois.
Signed autograph dedication of Jean Suberville to Louis Viossat.

First edition for each of the volumes with print runs varying from 297 to 1,250 numbered copies on pure laid paper, the only deluxe copies along with the reimposed ones.
Two spines slightly sunned, rare light worming on four endpapers, otherwise handsome set.

First edition.
Precious autograph dedication dated and signed by Jean-Michel Renaitour: "To the incomparable master of the style & the idea, to the great writer with big heart Anatole France, in total admiration."
Small, non-serious spots on the boards.

BOULESTIN Xavier Marcel
illustration by LABOUREUR Jean-émile
Dans les Flandres britanniques. British Expeditionary Force, Mai 1915 - Janvier 1916
First edition, one of 300 numbered copies on vellum, ours is a press office copy, only print with 50 Holland. Half moroccan shagreen binding, red paper boards, paste downs and endpapers, covers and spine preserved.
Ex-libris glued to a paste down.
Illustrated with 24 drawings by Jean-Emile Laboureur.

First edition, one of 40 numbered copies on vellum, the only deluxe copies.
The work illustrated with a photographic portrait of Ernest Psichari as frontispiece as well as 6 engravings.
Spine and boards lightly and entirely sunned, first endpaper shadowed.
A full-margined copy.

First edition, one of 1050 numbered copies on "pur-fil" paper, one draw with 15 Madagascar.
Signed autograph of Jean Galtier-Boissière Paul Ollier.
Nice copy.

First edition, review copy.
Signed autograph of Georges Suarez Charles Laval.
Small tear in foot of the back, complete copy of his prayer to insert.

First edition, one of 800 numbered copies on fine bouffant alfa paper, the only deluxe copies after 15 Japan and 100 Rives vellum.
Handsome copy.
The author was among the first writers to perish in the battles of 1914.

First edition printed on vergé paper, there were only 3 Hollande large paper copies.
Illustrated cover by Edmond Bille.
Three small marginal tears to the spine and the covers, small spots to head of lower cover, internally good.

Edition printed on rod.
Signed autograph Andre Suares to the editor and paper manufacturer Louis Lafuma: "... man of faith ..." beautifully handwritten in red ink on the first guard.
Last shaded guard, the first much more lightly.

First edition, one of 10 numbered copies on Holland paper, the only deluxe copies.
A tiny nick at head of spine, small angular lacks to the marginally shaded endpapers, handsome full-margined copy.

first edition on the current paper.
Binding of the editor in full sand canvas, smooth back, full copy of his illustrated jacket which has small marginal tear without gravity.
Signed autograph of Georges Blond Alain Decaux.
Iconography.

First edition for which there were no large paper copies.
Autograph inscription from Alain to Jean Texcier.
A good copy despite a small spot to foot of lower cover.

First edition, one of 10 numbered copies on Hollande, the only large paper copies.
Spine and covers slightly and marginally faded, not serious,.
A good and rare copy with good margins.

First edition of which there were no large paper copies, stated the second edition.
Rare.

First edition on ordinary paper.
Bradel binding in half indigo percaline, smooth spine slightly sunned decorated with a central gilt floral motif, double gilt fillet at foot, black shagreen title label, marbled paper boards, original wrappers preserved, contemporary binding characteristic of those that composed Henri Béraud's library.
Humorous autograph inscription signed by Ernest Tisserand to Henri Béraud: "... voici en souvenir de la guerre, un livre de guerre qui est peut-être le moins livre de guerre des livres de guerre..." ["... here in memory of the war, a war book which is perhaps the least war book of war books..."]
Provenance: from Henri Béraud's library on the Île de Ré.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Henri Pairault to Henri Béraud: "... en hommage de haute estime littéraire..." ["in tribute of high literary esteem..."] enriched with a visiting card on which the author requests a little time from Henri Béraud so that he might devote some of his attention "à cette humble plaquette dans le fatras des productions qui vous parviennent..." ["to this humble booklet among the jumble of productions that reach you..."]
Work illustrated with 20 caricatures of distinctly anti-German inspiration.
Two small lacks to foot of spine, foxing to rear board.
Provenance: from the library of Henri Béraud of Ré.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Rare and signed autograph inscription from Juan Enrique Lagarrigue to Henri Béraud.
Some light foxing to the boards
Provenance: from Henri Béraud's library on Île de Ré.

First edition, an advance (service de presse) copy.
Handsome autograph inscription from Pierre Drieu la Rochelle to his friend Henri Béraud : "A Henri Béraud dont je viens de lire avec un énorme plaisir le 14 Juillet. Amicalement [For Henri Béraud, whose 14th July I have just finished reading with enormous pleasure. Best wishes]."
Spine with a small tear glued down to foot of spine, a trace of folding to lower cover, occasional spots.

Edition with 30 original drawings by Bernard Naudin, one of copies on vélin teinté paper.
A good copy.

First edition, a 1000 numbered copies on Holland paper, only 65 leading copies after Japan.
Work illustrated with 20 wooden black and color of Jean Perrier.
Slight marginal minor tears on the boards.

First edition, one of 15 numbered copies on Holland paper, the only deluxe copies.
Preface by Maurice Barrès.
Work illustrated with a portrait of the author by Paul Jobert as frontispiece as well as 107 pen drawings by Charles-Emile Carlègle
Small lacks to head of spine, light adhesive paper stains to heads and feet of endpapers, otherwise handsome full-margined copy.

first edition on the current paper it is printed on Rives 30 leading copies.
Signed autograph of the author Robert Garric.
Book illustrated with a frontispiece engraved on wood by Alexandre Noll.

First edition, one of 500 numbered copies on select bouffant only major papers.
Dated and signed autograph dedication from the author to full page Serge Pain: "... I am pleased to dedicate this book, in which he found in food and drink, as it is unconventional Perhaps the distraita. t it? I hope so ... "
Pleasant specimen with all margins.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Spine and covers marginally and lightly sunned, handsome interior condition.

First edition printed under the supervision of the Under-Secretary of State for Military Health Services of the Ministry of War.
Printed stamp of the military government of Paris at the head of the first cover.
Handsome and rare pamphlet.

First edition printed on ordinary paper.
Publisher's binding in full boards, with the illustrated dust jacket.
Signed autograph inscription from Georges Blond to Marcel Aymé's daughter, Colette Magne, and to her husband, Raymond: "A Colette Magne avec qui j'ai livré la bataille de l'hôtel Continental et à Raymond, en souvenir d'autres combats plus dramatiques" ["To Colette Magne with whom I fought the battle of the Continental Hotel and to Raymond, in memory of other more dramatic battles"].
Iconography, handsome copy.

First edition printed on laid paper.
Publisher's oblong format binding in full raspberry and sand cloth, smooth spine, top edge red.
Autograph inscription signed by the publisher to Marcel Dentu of the S.P.A.
Work illustrated with original compositions by Maurice Leroy as well as photographic views.
Boards marginally sunned at head, otherwise handsome copy.

First edition of this color lithographed poster signed "Béatrice Grognuz, élève Bd Péreire 221".
This poster was published during the First World War, it is part of a series drawn by children from Paris schools, to encourage the French to participate in the war effort.
Rare copy in fine condition of these propaganda posters, most of which have been destroyed.

First edition, one of 30 numbered copies on Rives, the tirage de tête.
A very good copy.

First edition, an advance (service de presse) copy.
Handsome autograph inscription from Henri de Régnier to Tristan Bernard.

Edition illustrated with original illustrations by T. Polat, one of 50 copies on Arches paper, deluxe copies after 30 on Japan paper.
Spine with four raised bands set with black fillets decorated with undulating black fillets representing barbed wire and a poilu helmet enriched with an inlaid piece of brown morocco, boards enhanced with a pattern of black fillets representing barbed wire and poilu helmets in the corners and centers enriched with inlaid pieces of brown morocco, black fillet on the leading edges, frame of red morocco listel and double gilt fillets with gilt poilu helmets in the corners on the pastedowns, endpapers and pastedowns of gray watered silk, following endpapers of handmade paper, covers and spine preserved, top edge gilt; slipcase bordered with the same morocco and covered with handmade paper, brown felt interior, superb contemporary binding signed René Kieffer.
Work illustrated with 38 etchings, an original frontispiece and an original hors-texte by T. Polat.
Like all copies of the deluxe issue, our copy is complete with its duplicate suite of the frontispiece and hors-texte on China paper.
Manuscript signatures of the author and publisher on the justification page.
Fine copy perfectly executed by René Kieffer.

First edition.
Bradel binding in half brown shagreen, smooth spine faded and decorated with a gilt fleuron, gilt date at foot, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, original wrappers preserved, top edge gilt, contemporary binding.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Ricciotto Canudo to (Léon) Abrami who also served on the Eastern Front and who became Under-Secretary of State for War in 1917: "... au soldat et à l'homme d'état / en souvenir d'une tente sur le front d'orient honorée par sa présence / et en profond hommage. / Canudo / en convalescence Janvier 1919." ["... to the soldier and the statesman / in memory of a tent on the eastern front honored by his presence / and in profound homage. / Canudo / convalescing January 1919."]

First edition, one of 10 numbered copies on Hollande, the only large paper copies.
One small marginal nick, not serious, to upper cover.
A rare and very good copy with good margins.

First Edition, one of the 16 numbered copies on Holland paper, small print in the smallest paper before 18 Japan.
Autograph dedication signed by Jean Ajalbert on the title page of the first volume.
Our copy is enriched by an autograph letter dated and signed by the author, three pages, addressed to an attorney in which he defends the mother of Roland Garros about legal problems related to the exploitation of the name of the "Garros" family, whom she was deprived of as she fought for the glorious memory of her son and has always maintained good relations with him ..., envelope attached to the letterhead of the Academy Goncourt.
We also enclose a photographic postcard representing J. Ajalbert signed in foot .
Covers illustrated by Busset with discharges of the illustration on the first two guards volumes.
Nice copy at all margins.

First edition, one of 300 numbered copies on tinted Arches paper, deluxe copy.
Signed autograph inscription by Reybaz.
Work illustrated with 33 original compositions by Hautot and a frontispiece reproducing "Le légionnaire" by Steinlen.
Spine slightly faded, some minor foxing affecting mainly the endpapers, as well as the half-title and title pages.
Rare.

First edition for which no deluxe copies are mentioned.
Handsome copy considering the extreme fragility of this popular edition handled carelessly by readers.
Gift inscriptions in ink on the covers and first page of text.
Rare.

First edition, one of the numbered copies on alfa paper.
Work illustrated by Eddy Legrand.
One joint slightly cracked at head, two tiny holes of no consequence to spine, handsome interior condition.

The first edition, not published commercially and printed in a very small number of copies.
Spine split, a small tear at foot of first cover re-adhered on verso with tape, three tiny corner lacks on covers very slightly and marginally aged, a postal mark at head of first cover.
Rare pamphlet.

First edition, printed in a very small number of copies, of this work that had been delayed by the outbreak of the Great War.
Autograph inscription signed by R. Dreux-Huzard, the dedicatee's name has unfortunately been crossed out.
Spine and boards slightly and marginally faded without significance, small light stains on front board.
Rare.

First edition of the French translation by Victor Daye.

First edition.
Articles and report by Benjamin Vallotton.
Letters, documents and names of subscribers.
Illustrated first cover with small marginal stains, otherwise handsome copy.
Rare.

First edition printed on ordinary paper, with no mention of deluxe copies.
Worming to covers, endpapers and half-title page.
About the First World War, military justice, the mutineers of the French army...

First edition, one of 200 numbered copies reserved for the service de presse.
Handsome copy.

First edition, one of 10 Holland copies, the only deluxe copies.
Preface by Roland Dorgelès.
Light lacks without gravity to head and foot of spine which is split, minimal worming to some deckled edges, endpapers shaded.

First edition, one of the numbered copies on alfa paper.
Illustrations hors-texte by Edy Legrand.
Small lack at foot, printed bibliophile's stamp at head of first endpaper.

First edition on ordinary paper.
A rare and very good copy.

First edition.

First edition.

Characteristic work of wartime propaganda from the Great War.

Handsome copy.

Edition of the year of the first edition.
Rondeau-preface by H. Delorme.
A slight marginal lack to the front cover, otherwise a handsome copy.

Second edition of the revised French translation containing the Russian Yellow Book. A tiny chip at the foot of the spine.

First edition on ordinary paper.

First edition drawn from the campaign notebook of a company captain who served at La Boissière, Ghent, Dixmude and Steenstraat.
Light worming to boards, an ink stain on the rear board, handsome interior.

First edition published in a small number of copies.
Minor worming without consequence to front board, otherwise handsome copy.
Rare.

First edition published in a small number of copies of this collection of military songs compiled by a former Saint-Cyr graduate.
Illustrated cover.

First edition.
Autograph inscription from the author.
Front cover slightly and marginally faded, light corner tears to covers.

Edition of the same year as the first, with statement of 10th thousand.
Two slight lacks to head and foot of spine.

First edition whose profits were entirely donated to works for the wounded and refugees.
Corner stains to boards which are slightly and marginally faded, handsome interior condition.
Rare.

First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
About the atrocities committed by the Germans during the First World War, iconography.
Worming to covers.

First edition published in a small number of copies.
Contributions by Jean Richepin and Gabriel Hanotaux.
Preface by Paul Regnard.
Rare and handsome copy.

First edition.
Henry Béraud's monthly pamphlet.
Pale ink stains to front cover, otherwise a handsome copy.

First edition.

First edition.
Henry Béraud's monthly pamphlet.
Small wormholes to rear cover, otherwise a handsome copy.

First edition.