Exceptional Autographs

First edition, an advance (service de presse) copy. A handsome and moving autograph inscription from Maurice Blanchot to his brother, sister-in-law and nephews: "Qui m'a tué ma mort, c'est là ce que je demande. H. von Kleist ["Who killed my death, that is what I ask here. H. von Kleist”].
Covers and spine lightly sunned at edges (but not seriously). 

First edition, for which there is no mention of large paper copies.
Contemporary Bradel binding in half khaki cloth over marbled paper boards, the spine with gilt floral motif, a double gilt fillet at foot of spine, red shagreen title label (small marginal scratches), one lower corner rubbed.
A rare and precious autograph inscription from Alphonse Allais to his publisher Paul Ollendorff : "... le seul éditeur vraiment digne de ce nom, hommage d'un auteur qui n'est pas non plus dans une potiche [the only publisher really worthy of that name, homage from an author who is also not on a sinecure".
Provenance : library of Paul Ollendorff. 

First edition, one of 126 numbered copies on alfa, complete with the original signed etching by Brassaï, , the tirage de tête.
Autograph inscription by Brassaï.
Additionally, this copy is further enriched with three leaves on which Brassaï has recorded some thoughts in holorhyme: "Epopée rimée des peaux périmées / Les chameaux volés tuent les chats mauves aux laitues / L'émule d'Epicure opère au quai Malaquais, les mules des piqûres aux perroquets mal laqués..."
Introduction by Henry Miller.
A very good copy with exceptional additions. 

First edition on ordinary paper.

Half-forest green shagreen contemporary binding, spine with five raised bands, marbled paper board and endpapers, bookplate pasted on one guard.
Some slight, minor foxing.

Rare signed and inscribed copy by Gustave Flaubert to (Louis) de Carné, journalist and historian, several of whose works were listed in the inventory of Flaubert's personal library.

Flaubert's interest in de Carné's work was not always benevolent, however. Critical notes on his articles can be found in the Bouvard and Pécuchet files.
Moreover, the publication of Salammbô coincided with the controversial election of Louis de Carné to the Académie Française, which some critics deemed a clerical coup d'état. His election resulted from a campaign orchestrated by Bishop Dupanloup against the opposing candidate, Émile Littré, whose materialist definition of man had provoked the ire of religious and Orléanist factions. Flaubert refers to the scandal of this election in a letter to the Goncourt brothers dated 6 May 1863: "Have you sufficiently railed against Sainte-Beuve and cursed the Académie over Carné's appointment?"
While this inscription likely predates the election, it remains a curious tribute from an author once accused of “offense against public morality and religion” to a future representative of religious power within the prestigious Académie.

A precious copy, featuring a rare autograph inscription, handsomely bound in a contemporary binding.

Seventh edition, first for some parts, as corrected and reviewed.
Contemporary half black shagreen over black paper boards, spine in five compartments with slender bands and double blindruled compartments, marbled pastedowns and endpapers.
Rare autograph inscription signed and dated by Alfred de Vigny to abbé Huc, who was one of the great missionaries to China and for whom Alfred de Vigny bore a great admiration: " témoignage de vénération et d'attachement / Alfred de Vigny [testimony of [my] veneration and attachment / Alfred de Vigny]."
A little light foxing.

Edition illustrated with original tailpieces and vignettes by Jean-Gabriel Daragnès engraved on wood, one of 250 numbered copies on Arches vellum, the only edition with 30 various Japan.
Publisher's binding in full flexible boards covered with watered paper, title vignette pasted on the front cover.

Precious and fine autograph inscription from J.-G. Daragnès to André Gide who signed twice (in black ink then in blue ballpoint pen).

A tiny lack at the foot of one joint, handsome copy.