Militaria

First edition.

Bound in full cherry red morocco, smooth spine richly gilt with romantic typographic ornaments, gilt roll tooling on the caps, boards framed with double gilt fillets and interlaced motifs with gilt corner fleurons, gilt AO monogram stamped at the center of the boards, gilt garland border on the pastedowns, moiré sky-blue silk endpapers and pastedowns, trace of a removed bookplate on one pastedown, gilt fillets on the edges, all edges gilt, contemporary binding.

The sections relating to the colonies are as follows: Martinique, pp. 199–203; Guadeloupe and dependencies, pp. 204–209; French Guiana, pp. 210–212; Bourbon, pp. 216–220; French settlements in Oceania, pp. 223–224.

Copy from the library of Antoine-Marie-Philippe d'Orléans, Duke of Montpensier (1824–1890), youngest son of Louis-Philippe, with his gilt AO monogram stamped at the center of the boards. OHR 2590 (tool not listed).

A very handsome copy, finely bound in a period romantic binding with the Duke of Montpensier's monogram.

Extremely rare reissue of this journal. None of the institutions consulted hold this edition (see Palau, 71807).

Contemporary full ivory vellum binding with overlapping edges, flat spine with calligraphic title running lengthwise, boards slightly soiled.

The book was most likely reinserted into its original binding; a few small stains.

The first Spanish edition was issued the same year in Seville by Sebastián de Armendáriz - bookseller, publisher, and forerunner of Spanish journalism - at the press of Thomas Lopez de Haro.

It appears that the document used as the basis for Armendáriz’s account was a report by an eyewitness to the events, Count Paolo Amerighi.

This journal recounts the siege and recapture of Budapest in 1686, held by the Turks since 1541 and ultimately expelled by Charles V of Lorraine (1643-1690).

A few spots on the title page, otherwise a very attractive copy in contemporary binding.

First edition, illustrated with 6 folding plates at the end of the volume (cf. Polak 5375).

Contemporary Bradel binding in full red boards, flat spine, black shagreen label with gilt lettering, the upper cover stamped in gilt with the monogram of Prince Eugène de Beauharnais, stepson of Napoleon. Lower corners a bit rubbed. Period binding.

A few minor spots, not affecting legibility.

Only two copies listed in the CCF (BnF and École Polytechnique).

The only edition of this insightful analysis of French naval doctrine at the close of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, significantly bearing the motto on the title page: Delenda est Britannia. Charles-Louis-Victor de La Rouvraye (1783–1850) joined the navy in June 1799; he served in the Boulogne flotilla and later in the Indian Ocean, where he was taken prisoner by the British (1806–1811).

Provenance: A distinguished copy from the library of Prince Eugène de Beauharnais, stepson of Napoleon, then Duke of Leuchtenberg, bearing his gilt cipher and that of his wife Augusta Amélie of Bavaria.

Later owned by a member of the Montboissier de Canilliac family, with an armorial bookplate mounted on the pastedown, most likely that of Charles de Montboissier-Beaufort-Canilliac (1753–1836), maritime prefect of Cherbourg from 1816 to 1826.

Uncommon first edition (cf. Polak 8200).

Modern binding in light blue cloth, smooth spine, speckled edges, original wrappers preserved and mounted on tabs.

The work was written at a time when the abolition of privateering was increasingly being discussed—a measure that would later be enacted in the Treaty of Paris of 1856.

Rare first edition (cf. Polak 2250).

Copy preserved in its original wrappers and in a plain grey waiting cover.

Some marginal staining affecting a few leaves; at the end of the volume, marginal repairs to three leaves, not affecting the printed text.

This double shipwreck occurred off the Algerian coast.

First edition of one of the final treatises by the eminent Sardinian jurist Domenico Alberto Azuni (1749–1827), one of the foremost maritime law experts of his time and a judge at the Commercial and Maritime Court of Nice (cf. Mc Culloch 126, Quérard I 144, not in Polak).

Contemporary full tree calf binding, smooth spine gilt with decorative rolls and typographic tools, gilt head- and tailbands, gilt tooling at the caps, gilt-tooled border on the covers framed with a dentelle fillet, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, gilt fillets on board edges, yellow edges.

Minor defects to foot of upper cover, some soiling to the endpapers, otherwise a clean and appealing copy internally.

In the final years of his life, Domenico Alberto Azuni addressed the question of piracy at a time when Barbary corsairs still roamed the Mediterranean.

In this work, he advocates for a legal framework to regulate privateering, in order to secure free navigation for neutral ships during wartime and avoid hindering commercial activity.

Very rare first edition of this work, never reprinted.

Only one copy listed in the CCF (Versailles).

Contemporary bottle green half shagreen binding, spine with four raised bands ruled in gilt and adorned with double gilt compartments and gilt floral motifs, gilt title at foot, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, sprinkled edges.

Some foxing; Mexican peddler's stamp on title page.

Only edition of this collection presented from a Mexican perspective, with an introduction by José Maria Lafragua Ibarra (1813–1875).

Name R. Criado stamped in gilt at foot of spine.

Highly interesting collection attributed either to the geographer Georges-Louis Le Rouge (according to Polak), or to the civil engineer La Serre (based on a manuscript version held at the Municipal Library of Le Havre).

Contemporary half Havana calf binding, smooth spine richly decorated with five gilt fillets and blind-stamped naval anchors, some minor restorations to joints, small green vellum corners, marbled paper boards, endpapers and pastedowns marbled à la cuve. Binding dating from the mid-19th century.

The work comprises 35 engraved plates depicting the plans of 42 ports.

From north to south, and west to east: 1. Antwerp. – 2. Flushing. – 3. Ostend. – 4. Dunkirk. – 5. Gravelines. – 6. Calais. – 7. Boulogne. – 8. Dieppe. – 9. Valléry-en-Caux and Fécamp. – 10. Le Havre. – 11. Le Tréport and Honfleur. – 12. Rouen. – 13. Caen. – 14. Cherbourg. – 15. Granville. – 16. Port-Malo and Saint-Servan. – 17. Brest. – 18. Lorient. – 19. Port-Louis. – 20. Nantes. – 21. Les Sables-d'Olonne. – 22. Saint-Martin-de-Ré. – 23. La Rochelle. – 24. Rochefort. – 25. Concarneau, Mont-Saint-Michel and Oléron. – 26. Bordeaux. – 27. Bayonne. – 28. Saint-Jean-de-Luz. – 29. Port-Vendres and Collioure. – 30. Cette [Sète]. – 31. Marseille. – 32. Villefranche and La Ciotat. – 33. Toulon. – 34. Antibes and Saint-Tropez. – 35. Gibraltar.

Some minor and insignificant foxing.

Partly original and substantially expanded edition of this key work, first published in 1836–39 (see Gay 944. Playfair 1700. Tailliart 1736).

Modern bindings in brick-red half shagreen with corners, spines with five raised bands, marbled paper boards framed by a single blind fillet, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, original wrappers and spines preserved.

Title pages and half-titles swapped. Volumes II and III mislabelled: volume III actually contains the content of volume II.

Two small holes to the half-titles of the first two volumes; some light foxing.

Edmond Pellissier de Raynaud (1798–1858) took part in the 1830 Expedition to Algiers as a staff officer, later serving as head of the Arab Affairs Bureau until 1839, when he resigned in disagreement with the government’s policies towards the indigenous population.

His chronicle offers a penetrating and critical view, far from complacent towards Europeans. "Ces annales, après un si long temps écoulé, ont conservé toute leur valeur ; c'est la mine la plus riche où l'on trouve les matériaux les plus solides concernant l'histoire de la conquête et celle de l'administration de l'Algérie. Il n'est pas d'historien qui n'ait eu recours à cet ouvrage; il en est même qui l'ont pillé, copié sans toujours le citer. Il ne s'est pas contenté des renseignements officiels publiés, des récits oraux, de ce qu'il connaissait personnellement ; il a eu recours aux archives. Il raconte l'histoire de l'Algérie année par année, avec les détails les plus circonstanciés sur les faits militaires et sur l'administration civile".

First edition, no deluxe copies on fine paper were issued.

Spine and rear cover slightly soiled; a clean and attractive copy internally.

Illustrations.

Valuable signed presentation copy from General Gambiez: "A monsieur J. Debu-Bridel en bien cordial hommage cet envoi de synthèse sur la libération de la Corse cette île qui nous est si chère. Château de Vincennes 26 septembre 1974."

A moving relic of the Resistance and Gaullist legacy.

Album of 50 full-page plates signed by Lange, each with captioned tissue guards (cf. Polak 6415).

Publisher's binding in red half shagreen, spine with five raised bands decorated with gilt dotted rolls and black fillets, gilt naval anchors, gilt title and naval anchor on the upper cover in red cloth, marbled endpapers and pastedowns.

Some minor foxing, a few faded spots along the edges of the covers, a well-preserved copy overall.

A fine visual survey of the French navy at the end of the 19th century, featuring 44 warships and 6 merchant vessels (from the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique, Messageries Maritimes, Chargeurs Réunis, Albert Méniér, and Ant. Dom Bordes).

Rare and fragile original French satirical leaflet dated August 1944.
Vertical and horizontal folds.
This rare document begins by stating sarcastic titles and last wishes of Adolf Hitler:
“Hitler, known as Adolphe to the Nazis and Dodofe to the Gretchens of my former Reich of Krauts, declares the following:On the verge of vomiting my soul to the devil, afflicted with dysentery accentuating the brown color of the flaps of my shirt, having my buttocks in disarray (the result of the kicks up my arse picked up on all the fronts of Europe)...”
This mock testament, written in August 1944, delivers a sarcastic commentary on the Axis powers' imminent downfall and lists the beneficiaries of Adolf Hitler's “bequests”:
The testament ends with this peremptory statement: “Made at ... on ... August 1944 in full mental, cerebral and physical decomposition. Dodofe Hitler king of the Little Funnies.”
A very rare anti-Nazi leaflet from the final days of World War II.

First edition.

Official series not listed in Polak.

Full red morocco binding, smooth spine decorated with gilt Romantic arabesques, gilt roll-tooled bands at head and foot, elaborate gilt quadruple fillet frame, garland and lozenge design with gilt corner motifs on covers, gilt crowned monogram stamped in gilt at center of each board, blue moiré silk endleaves and doublures, gilt dentelle borders on doublures, gilt dotting on board edges, all edges gilt; a superb Romantic period binding.

Copy bearing the crowned monogram "FO" of Ferdinand Philippe, Duke of Orléans (1810–1842), eldest son of King Louis-Philippe. 

A very fine copy, beautifully preserved in an outstanding period Romantic binding.

First edition of the French translation, illustrated with 105 plates out of text (including 2 folding tables, 21 plans and maps, and 82 views and reproductions of documents). A remarkable record of one of the most significant instances of international opinion manipulation carried out by China and North Korea in the early stages of the Korean War: as early as 1952, North Korean and Chinese officials (including Zhou Enlai) accused the American army of using "insect vectors" on a large scale to spread various diseases among the populations of Korea and Manchuria (plague, cholera, etc.).

The entire operation had been meticulously staged, as definitively revealed by Soviet documents published in 1998.

Head and tail of spine with some losses, minor stains and marginal tears to the covers, two small holes to the lower edge of the rear board also affecting the rear endpaper, otherwise clean and sound throughout.

Rare.

New edition, the most comprehensive to date, illustrated with 300 engravings, several maps, and followed by 18 appendices (cf. Cordier, Japonica, 694).

The original edition was published in 1899.

Contemporary half havana sheep binding, corners tipped with the same, smooth spine sunned and rubbed, decorated with blind fillets and floral tools, blind-tooled garland framing the bordeaux cloth boards, black paper endpapers and pastedowns, marbled edges.

Some minor foxing mainly affecting the endpapers, otherwise a clean and well-preserved copy.

Our copy lacks the atlas of 11 maps, which was not ready in time for printing, as stated on a slip mounted on the first endpapers ("Par suite d'un accident imprévu, la gravure et l'impression des cartes géographiques n'ont pu être terminées en temps voulu. Elles seront envoyées à part dès qu'elles auront paru").

Jacques-Edmond-Joseph Papinot (1860–1942) was ordained in 1886 and sent to Japan three months later. He taught at the Tokyo Theological Seminary for fifteen years and returned permanently to France in 1911.

Provenance: from the library of the Barante family, with a printed ex-libris label mounted on the pastedown.

First edition of these extremely scarce memoirs (cf. Bourquelot V, 374. Tulard 1007. Bertier de Sauvigny 720).

Contemporary bindings in brown half sheep, flat spines decorated with gilt Romantic rolls and black floral tools, red morocco labels for volume numbers and titles, marbled paper-covered boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, some corners worn, marbled edges.

Spine of volume four damaged, restorations to the spines, two lower caps rubbed, occasional foxing.

The Countess Merlin was born Maria de las Mercedes de Santa Cruz y Montalvo (1789–1852) in Havana.

Her memoirs offer valuable anecdotal insight into society life in Cuba, the Peninsular War, and more.

First edition, one of 60 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only copies printed on deluxe paper.

Quarter red shagreen with corners, spine with four raised bands ruled in black, gilt-patterned paper-covered boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, original wrappers and spine preserved, top edge gilt.

A handsome and scarce copy, attractively bound.

First edition, one of 40 copies printed on pur fil paper, this one numbered 1, the only copies on deluxe paper.

Complete with the folding map at the end of the volume.

A handsome and rare copy, untrimmed, of this work dedicated "To the glory of those who fell and those who prevailed, workers, soldiers, and commanders."

Preface by Marshal Franchet d'Esperey.

Rare first edition of this important geographical and ethnographic account, intended to provide insight into the conflict between the Afghans and the British, the latter seeking to protect their Indian frontiers from the threat posed by the Russian Empire (cf. Bourquelot V, 637).

This copy retains the folding map bound at the end of the volume: "Carte pour l'intelligence des voyages d'Alexandre Burnes".

Spine faded with small losses, boards lightly soiled at the margins, paper loss to the lower left corner of the half-title page, some scattered foxing.

The author based his work on Elphinstone’s account, whose second edition appeared in 1838, as well as the narratives of Burnes, Forster, and Masson.

Rare work illustrated with 199 in-text full-page costume plates, as stated in the table (not recorded by Colas. Hilaire p. 14).

Contemporary binding in red half shagreen, spine with four raised bands, triple panels ruled in blind and decorated with gilt central floral tools, some rubbing to the spine, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers, a few small tears to the edges; period binding.

Two leaves have been restored (pages 51 and 147), one marginal tear, otherwise clean and fresh throughout.

A sweeping illustrated survey of the peoples of the world, featuring a substantial section on Oceania.

Among others, it depicts Russians from the Tver region, inhabitants of Siberia, Native Americans, Eskimos, and natives of various Oceanic islands, with their hunting or war weapons, ritual objects, and, for some, their tattoos.

Notable illustrations include a striking plate of a Sandwich Islands warrior and one of a tattooed man from Noukahiwa.

First edition, one of 50 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only deluxe copies.
Bound in red half shagreen with corners, spine with four raised bands framed by blind fillets, sides covered in gilt-effect paper, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, original wrappers and spine preserved, top edge gilt on witnesses.
A handsome copy in an attractive binding.

First edition, printed in a small number of copies, of this offprint from the Journal asiatique.

Minor foxing, light discoloration spots to the margins, at the beginning and end of the volume.

Bradel binding in blue cloth-backed marbled boards with corners, smooth spine slightly darkened, cherry red shagreen title label, gilt initials at foot, marbled paper-covered boards.

A pupil of Silvestre de Sacy like so many others, Joseph-Toussaint Reinaud (1795–1867) succeeded him in 1838 at the chair of living Oriental languages; his primary scholarly interest was directed toward the Arab world. Copy from the library of agronomist Adrien de Gasparin (1783–1862), father of Agénor de Gasparin, with his ownership stamp on the title page.

First edition, illustrated with 11 plates including a frontispiece. This copy has been enriched with a second frontispiece inserted before the half-title: the frontispiece from the Relation de la bataille de Marengo présentée à l'empereur par le Maréchal Berthier, published in 1808. This image, depicting Napoleon on horseback listening to Marshal Berthier outlining the battle plan held by a guard, has been mounted on red cloth. The booklet contains only a half-title, as the original cover—which has not been preserved—appears to have served as the title page: beneath a central imperial eagle, it simply bore the date and the mention “Paris, En vente chez tous les libraires.”

Volume bearing the arms and cipher of Napoleon III.

Contemporary full red shagreen binding. Spine with raised bands, decorated with five small bees. The upper board features the imperial arms at center, surrounded by the collar of the Order of the Holy Spirit, with four eagles in the corners and multiple frames. The lower board bears the cipher of Napoleon III. Moiré silk endpapers framed by a pattern of stars and circles. All edges gilt. Occasional light foxing.

A very handsome copy.

First edition, one of 29 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only deluxe copies.

A fine and rare example.

Very rare first edition illustrated with 40 lithographs (cf. Colas 1581, Mayfair, Algeria, 751, Tailliart, 1001, *Iconographie de l'Algérie*).

A few minor spots of foxing; the front free endpaper is slightly creased at the margin, not affecting the text.

The 40 plates, printed on 37 leaves, are arranged as follows: 37 black lithographs including one plan and one folding map (plates 11–12, [37–38], and [39–40] are printed on single leaves).

Among the rarest and most beautiful illustrated albums devoted to Algeria, this edition comprises 40 lithographic plates printed in black across 37 leaves. The map of the Regency of Algiers and the views of Algiers and Constantine, being in a larger format, each count as two. So rare is this album that even Esquer, author of the monumental *Iconographie de l'Algérie*, was only able to consult a copy containing 35 plates.

Contemporary binding in half green Russia morocco, flat spine with blind double fillets, marbled paper-covered boards with some light spotting, green vellum corners slightly rubbed.

Lithographed by Simon fils after drawings by Robert Jungmann, the plates depict costumes and views of Algeria. The author, who presents himself as a Polish refugee, explains in the preface that he served for nearly four years in the Armée d’Afrique and that the purpose of his work is "to provide a short but accurate account of Algiers and its surroundings, a region that is increasingly drawing our interest".

The text is divided into four chapters: Geographical overview; historical notes; costumes, manners and customs of the native populations, their methods of warfare, etc.; and the state of industry, commerce, arts and sciences. It includes precise descriptive information on Algiers, Blida, Médéa, Oran, Tlemcen, and Constantine, as well as commentary on history, climate, agriculture, and colonization. The illustrations include a map of the Regency of Algiers with hand-colored outlines also showing a large part of the Regency of Tunis; a portrait of Hussein Pasha, the last Dey of Algiers; picturesque views (View of Algiers, viewpoint near Mustapha Pacha in Algiers, partial view of Algiers' main square, Bab-el-Oued gate, marabout of Sidi-Yakoub, a fountain near Algiers, views of Constantine and Bône); and plates depicting inhabitants in traditional dress: Arab horsemen, Bedouins, Moorish women, Kabyles, Kouloughlis, Jewish men and women of Algiers, marabouts, Algerian corsairs, Zouaves, etc.

New edition, illustrated with two folding maps bound at the end. (cf Gay 91.)

Some foxing, spine with restored sections.

Preceded by an introduction and followed by geographical and historical studies on Arabia by M. Jomard.

Contemporary half tan calf, spine decorated with gilt and blind fillets, gilt roll at foot, modern black morocco labels for title and volume numbering, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers.

First edition, one of 110 numbered copies on alfa paper, this one not justified, the only copies printed on deluxe paper.

Bound in red half shagreen with corners, spine with four raised bands framed by black fillets, covers with gilt-patterned paper, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, original wrappers and spine preserved, top edge gilt.

A handsome copy in an attractive binding.

Illustrated with 16 phototype plates.

First edition, one of 30 numbered copies printed on Corvol l'orgueilleux, the only copies on deluxe paper along with a few hors commerce copies on the same paper.

A handsome copy.

Inscribed and signed by Armand Lanoux to Maurice Gorrée: "voici le commandant Watrin histoire d'hommes de bonne volonté," with an original drawing of a flower.

First edition, one of the review copies.

Half shagreen binding with corners in burgundy, spine with four raised bands ruled in black, date gilt at foot, slight but harmless fading to the spine and margins of the boards, gilt-embossed paper-covered boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, original wrappers and spine (restored) preserved, top edge gilt.

Rare dated inscription by Georges Duhamel signed with his real surname: "A Paul Souday hommage dévoué. GDuhamel avril 1918."

Our copy is further enriched with an autograph letter dated 16 December 1918, mounted on a stub, addressed to Paul Souday—though not mentioned by name—in which Duhamel expresses the joy and honour he felt at having recently been awarded the Prix Goncourt (Civilisation 1914–1918 was awarded the prize on 11 December 1918) for this work: "... le prix Goncourt me fait plaisir, mais moins encore que les quelques cordiales poignées de mains que je reçois à cette occasion."

Georges Duhamel expresses his high regard for his correspondent: "Vous m'avez déjà et très énergiquement témoigné votre sympathie. Soyez sûr que cette sympathie m'est chère. Et comme, en outre, elle m'est un guide précieux, je ferai tout ce que je pourrai pour la conserver et la mériter."

First edition, one of 240 numbered copies on pur fil paper, the only deluxe issue.

A handsome copy.

First edition, one of 110 numbered copies on Marais vellum, ours unnumbered but duly justified at the foot of each spine "Marais" and watermarked, the only copies printed on deluxe paper.

A tear to the upper right corner of the rear cover of the last volume.
Handsome complete set in 6 volumes; the author deliberately halted the writing of this work, which deals as much with history as with military history and was originally intended to comprise ten volumes.

First edition, one of 130 numbered copies on Arches wove paper, the deluxe issue.

A fine copy.

Inscribed, dated and signed by Roger Peyrefitte to Monsieur Gorrée.

First edition, one of 55 numbered copies on pure Arches wove paper, the deluxe issue.

A fine copy.

First edition of the French translation, one of 60 numbered copies on Arches laid paper, the only copies printed on deluxe paper.
Very fine copy.

Second edition of Lucas’s third journey to the Near East, undertaken between 1714 and 1717 (first published in 1729); cf. Gay, 2122. Chadenat, 5090. Atabey 734. Blackmer, 1038.

The illustrations include two folding maps (Anatolia and surrounding regions by de l’Isle; Lower Egypt and the course of the Nile by Lucas) and 32 plates outside the text: monuments, picturesque views, architectural plans, archaeological artefacts, various inscriptions, etc.

Contemporary half tawny sheep, smooth spines ruled in gilt with triple fillets, headcaps stained, some rubbing, marbled paper boards, sprinkled edges, some wear to the edges of the first volume. 19th-century bindings.

Pleasant internal condition.

According to Brunet (III, 1204), the text was written by Abbé Banier.

A soldier, naturalist, collector and dealer, Paul Lucas (Rouen, 1664 – Madrid, 1737) showed a marked passion for travel from an early age.

He first left for the Levant to trade in precious stones, joining the Venetian army in 1688 and becoming captain of a ship armed against the Turks. Returning to France in 1696 with a collection of antiquities and coins he sold to the King's Cabinet, he was commissioned by Louis XIV to undertake journeys that would make him famous. From 1699 to 1703, he visited Egypt, Cyprus, Persia and Syria. His second expedition, from 1704 to 1708, took him to Greece, Macedonia, Asia Minor, the Holy Land, Egypt and Libya. In 1714, he was entrusted with a new mission in the Levant: he travelled through Rumelia and Thessaly, passed through Constantinople and Smyrna before visiting Syria, Palestine and Egypt. Departing from Cairo, he returned to Paris in December 1717.

First edition, a Paris edition appeared the same year, see Cioranescu, XVII, 26842. Brunet V, 1222, under the entry "Villa," mentions this Paris edition under the title Voyage. Blackmer 505.

Contemporary full stiff vellum, flat spine, inked title at head of spine, speckled edges.

"This work is an abridged version of, or rather based on, Rostagno's Viaggi Dell'… Sign. Marchese Ghiron Francesco Villa In Dalmatia, e Levante, Torino, 1668. Du Cros, who in the preface says Rostagno lent him his manuscript, has produced a day-by-day account of the siege of Candia and of Villa's part in it. Villa took up arms against the Turks in 1665, sustained the siege of Candia for 2 years, and died of his wounds after he returned to Italy in 1668. According to Breslau, Du Cros, a diplomat who later carried out missions for Charles II and was involved in the marriage negociations of William and Mary, had travelled in the Levant and been in Crete himself as a follower of Ghiron Francesco Villa, but this is not mentioned in the preface, although Du Cros does speak of his obligations to Villa and apologizes to the reader for beginning his account with the last part of Villa's life, since he had intended originally to produce a full biography of the man" [Leonora Navari].

First edition, one of 135 numbered copies on pure wove paper, the only deluxe copies.
A handsome copy.
Signed autograph note by José Cabanis on the half-title.

Unpublished autograph letter signed by the Marquis de La Fayette to the Marquis Victor de La Tour-Maubourg, written from "Metz" and dated "the 4th" in La Fayette’s hand. Two and a quarter pages in ink on a bifolium. A minor perforation, not affecting the text; with a red "V. JACOB Metz" stamp on the blank verso of the bifolium. Two discreet paper reinforcements at the foot and head of the sheet’s fold.

La Fayette wrote this profoundly political letter in 1792 from Metz — the very city where, as a young officer, he had made the decision to set sail and fight for American independence. " I have been a revolutionary for fifteen years—and I am resolved to conquer or perish in this cause” he writes here, at a moment when the constitutional monarchy was in grave peril.

Commanding an army while facing the threat of further mass desertion among the French nobility  and under heavy assault from the Jacobins, La Fayette cast himself as the Revolution’s providential figure. He vehemently lamented the “unacceptable loss” of the Duke of Brunswick, who had departed to lead the Prussian and Austrian armies against France.

Lafayette is most likely addressing Marie-Charles-César de La Tour Maubourg, whom he called « mon ami intime, mon frère d'amitié, d'armes et de revolution » [ “my intimate friend, my brother in friendship, in arms, and in revolution”] (letter to Dietrich, 12 November 1791). Maubourg served under Lafayette with his brothers at the declaration of war and commanded the vanguard of the Army of the Center in 1792, before emigrating with him in August.

In December 1791, shortly after arriving at his Metz headquarters, Lafayette imposed a strict disciplinary order on the Army of the Centre. The situation was dire, owing to the emigration of most officers, the ill will of those who remained, and the consequent breakdown in oversight. Though devoted to the welfare of his troops, Lafayette, a staunch constitutionalist, remained engaged in politics: he had sent to Minister Dumouriez a memorandum in which he pledged his support to the Girondin ministry, on condition that it uphold the laws, the dignity of the monarchy, the constituted authorities, and religious freedom.

It is likely that Lafayette wrote these lines only a few weeks before the declaration of war, of which he was informed on 22 April. He appears here as a man deeply mindful of his military duties, and as a staunch protector of a Constitution in grave peril. In a magnificent burst of fervour and resolve, he makes no secret of his popularity nor of his feats of arms:

« J'ai de grands moïens en Hollande, le parti démocrate est à moi sans réserve ; j'en ai aussi à Liège ; on me connait dans les païs bas, et de ce coté ci du Rhin. Les Gardes nationales me regardent toutes comme leur chef ; je suis bien sûr d'une armée que je commanderai en personne. Au fait, j'ai aussi quelques talents naturels, et particulièrement pour la guerre. J'ai l'activité de la jeunesse, une sante imperturbable, beaucoup de sang froid et un travail facile. Il y a quinze ans que je fais le metier revolutionaire. Je suis décidé à vaincre ou périr dans cette cause ».

[“I have powerful connections in Holland; the democratic party is wholly mine. I also have influence in Liège; I am well known throughout the Low Countries and on this side of the Rhine. The National Guards all regard me as their leader; I have full confidence in an army which I shall command in person. After all, I do possess some natural talents—particularly for war. I have the vigour of youth, an unshakable constitution, a cool head, and a ease for labour. I have been a revolutionary for fifteen years—and I am resolved to conquer or perish in this cause.”]

In America, he had indeed displayed keen insight and sound judgment in the military affairs of the Independence, particularly during the Virginia campaign. It is known that he drew lessons from these battles by creating infantryman units to cover the main infantry — and indeed he informed George Washington of these preparations. He took care to organise light cavalry artillery units, following the Prussian and Austrian model, and specifically referred in his letter to an “observation on the horses of the horse artillery” included in the reports he had forwarded to La Tour-Maubourg. Among them is a report from a “young intelligent man who seemed to me worthy of being sent, although I believe he overstates the disposition of the enemy troops, especially the Hungarians [...]”.

The lieutenant general displays a grim lucidity regarding France’s political and military situation, torn apart by internal strife and imperilled by foreign powers:

« Adieu, mon cher Maubourg, il se forme un orage terrible, il se machine peut-être beaucoup de trahisons ; notre premier soin doit être de me donner une bonne armée agissante. Alors Narbonne et moi enfoncerons notre chapeau, et jouant beau jeu, nous révolutionnerons le mieux que nous pourrons devant nous. ; [...] voilà pourtant quelques motifs de consolation pour la perte du duc de Brunswick qui me paroit à chaque instant plus inadmissible, et qui tôt ou tard perdroit celui même qui l'aurait proposé, soit par ses trahisons, soit par la méfiance publique. Adieu, mon ami, depêchons nous, le tems presse. »

["Farewell, my dear Maubourg — a terrible storm is brewing, and many betrayals may be afoot. Our foremost duty must be to secure for me a strong and active army. So Narbonne and I will pull down our hats and, putting on a brave face, we shall carry the Revolution forward as best we can. [...] These are, after all, a few small consolations for the loss of the Duke of Brunswick, who seems to me more inadmissible with each passing moment — and who, sooner or later, would bring down even the man who proposed him, whether by betrayal or by public mistrust. Farewell, my friend — let us hasten, time is short."]

Bolstered by his American experience and despite mounting Jacobin clamour, Lafayette readies himself to uphold the principles of the French Constitution — a commitment he confides to one of his closest comrades, who would accompany him into Austrian captivity only months later.

Rare first edition of this curious travel account, originally written entirely in verse (7,500 lines), though the author—on the advice of friends—agreed to intersperse it with prose narrative (retaining 2,500 lines of verse); see Sabin 20128, Gagnon 1134 (1710 edition), and Dionne II.

Contemporary full brown calf binding, spine with five raised bands, gilt compartments decorated with gilt floral tools, cherry red morocco label, gilt roll tooling at head and foot, double black fillet border on covers, gilt fillets on board edges, sprinkled yellow edges with red mottling.

Lower right corner of upper cover restored; some spots and minor scuffs to the boards; occasional light foxing, otherwise internally fresh and appealing.

Unlike the second edition of 1710, this copy was not issued with a frontispiece. Almost nothing is known about the life of Dières de Dièreville, a surgeon, possibly born around 1670, who embarked in August 1699 aboard the *Royale Paix* from La Rochelle for a trading mission to Acadia. He arrived on 13 October and remained in the region for a year, studying both the Acadians and the Indigenous peoples, while also collecting plant specimens for the Jardin du Roi in Paris. His return voyage took place from 6 October to 9 November 1700, after which he settled as a surgeon in Pont-l'Évêque. At the request of Michel Bégon, Intendant of La Rochelle, he wrote the account of his travels. He was still alive in 1711, but nothing further is known of his life.

First edition, one of the numbered copies on alfa paper, the only deluxe issue.

A rare and attractive copy.

Preface by Jean de La Varende.

Original edition printed in a limited number of copies of this excerpt from Bulletin of the Société de géographie (1882-1883).

This text was re-edited in 1885 by Hachette.

Work illustrated with figures in the text and a large folding map at the end (Route from Médine to Nango by the Gallieni mission).

Binding in black half-shagreen, spine with five raised bands decorated with cold fillets, boards of handmade paper, preserved original covers, modern binding signed by Boichot.

Covers restored with some stains, pleasant interior condition.

Work illustrated with figures in the text and a large folding map at the end (Route from Médine to Nango by the Gallieni mission).

Joseph Gallieni (1849-1916) was sent on a mission to the banks of the Niger in 1879. It was there that he negotiated a commercial agreement between the Sultanate of Ségou and France, granting our country trade rights on the Upper Niger.

Autograph letter signed by Joseph Gallieni to his cousin Henri Périssé, dated from Fort-de-France, November 23, 1884 (after this African mission, Gallieni had been assigned to Martinique).

First edition, one of 100 copies numbered on Renage wove paper, the only deluxe issue.

Bound in burgundy half shagreen with corners, spine with four raised bands ruled in black, date gilt-stamped at foot, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers, gilt top edge.

A handsome copy in an attractive binding.

First edition, one of 30 numbered copies on Pur Fil du Marais, the only deluxe copies, alongside a few hors commerce also printed on Pur Fil du Marais.

A handsome and scarce copy of this anti-Gaullist pamphlet.

First edition, one of 110 copies printed on Arches wove paper, deluxe issue.
Handsome copy, untrimmed, illustrated with photographs.
Fine autograph inscription signed by Pierre Clostermann: "... en cordial hommage d'un \"chasseur\" des FADL qui maniait plus facilement son avion que la dédicace. Pierre Clostermann."

First edition, one of 275 numbered copies on Lana wove paper, the deluxe issue.

Illustrated with 31 hors-texte plates.

A fine, uncut copy, complete with its illustrated dust jacket.

First edition of this uncommon study of the major international diplomatic crisis provoked by Mehmed Ali's expansionist policy (cf. Carré I, 294; Blackmer 261; Atabey 179; Walch, 398; Hage Chahine, 748).

Some foxing, occasional reading marks in pencil and red pencil in the margins of certain paragraphs.

Late 19th-century Bradel bindings in half khaki percaline, flat spines decorated with a gilt fleuron, gilt double rules at foot of spines, black shagreen title-pieces, marbled paper boards, original wrappers preserved, corners rubbed.

At the end of the first volume, the work is complete with the folding plate representing the Battle of Nezib.

Edmond de Cadalvène (1799–1852) served as embassy attaché, then as director of the French postal service in Alexandria, Smyrna, and later Constantinople; his knowledge of the Orient, and particularly Egypt, was vast and multifaceted. As for the Saint-Simonian Émile Barrault (1799–1869), he followed a more conventional political path: he travelled to Egypt to accompany Father Enfantin in his quest for the Woman and universal regeneration...

First edition on ordinary paper, with the printed dedication to Marshal Pétain.

Discreet restorations to the spine.

Our copy is housed in a chemise and slipcase of navy blue half morocco, smooth spine lettered with author, title, and date in palladium, decorated paper boards, grey paper pastedowns, slipcase trimmed with matching navy morocco and decorated paper sides; binding signed by Boichot.

An exceptional copy inscribed by General de Gaulle to Colonel Émile Mayer, his “great friend [...] without whom this book could not have been conceived,” as stated in the author’s own inscription, which continues: “Receive, my Colonel, my deepest gratitude and my profound respect.”

A visionary soldier and theorist whom de Gaulle would later acknowledge as his strategic mentor, Émile Mayer corrected the very proofs of this work, which is here presented to him in these warm lines. Fifteen years before the First World War, Mayer had predicted the trench warfare to come. From the 1920s, de Gaulle frequented the salon of this great thinker of military art, whose Jewish origins and Dreyfusard sympathies had subjected him to calumnious antisemitic attacks and suspension from the army between 1899 and 1907. Both Mayer and de Gaulle opposed the immobile dogma of the French General Staff. Their military prophecies proved extraordinarily accurate concerning the mechanisation of the modern army: “For fifteen years, they confronted the same themes, not without disagreements, and each evolved while enriching the other” (Milo Lévy-Bruhl). At their weekly lunches they exchanged perspectives on the future of corps and tactics, both convinced of the futility of the Maginot Line. Mayer favoured a strategy of aerial and chemical warfare, while de Gaulle advocated the use of armoured divisions. Despite their differences, Mayer actively promoted the ideas of his protégé, and assisted in revising France and Her Army—having been won over, after the shock of the reoccupation of the Rhineland, to de Gaulle’s ambition of creating a professional armoured army. De Gaulle addressed these remarkable words of gratitude to his mentor just two weeks before Mayer’s death on November 28, 1938, which grieved him deeply.

An exceptional presentation copy from General de Gaulle of his essential and visionary work on military strategy—a significant testimonial linking two independent spirits who revolutionised the theoretical understanding of national defence.

First edition, with no copies issued on deluxe paper.

Two unobtrusive creases to the front cover, a well-preserved copy.

Illustrated content.

First edition featuring the celebrated original color stencil "Aidez l'Espagne!", printed on Arches paper by Joan Miró.
With literary contributions by Christian Zervos on Pablo Picasso's "Guernica", as well as texts by Jean Cassou, Georges Duthuit, Pierre Mabille, Michel Leiris, Paul Éluard, René Char...
Illustrated with numerous reproductions of works by Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró’s "Le faucheur".
Some rubbing and small tears to the spine, as often, a vertical crease to the rear wrapper, otherwise a fresh and well-preserved copy.

First edition, complete with the 15 etched portraits by Jeanron.
At the beginning of the volume, the index listing the engraved portraits has been discreetly marked in pencil in the left margin beside each name.
Scattered light foxing.

Contemporary red half shagreen binding, spine with four raised bands framed by double gilt fillets and broad black rules, some rubbing to the spine, marbled paper-covered boards faintly and very marginally faded, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, one split to an edge.

First edition, (cf Röhricht p. 499. Hage Chahine 2893.)

Rare, light foxing without significance.

Binding in half green cloth, smooth spine slightly faded, decorated with cold fillets, a slight abrasion near the gilt title, marbled paper boards, sprinkled edges, binding of the period. Preliminary pages, departure of the expedition, Lebanon, excursion to Baalbek and the Cedars of Lebanon, military pilgrimage to Jerusalem, the French garrison in Lebanon.

Autograph letter signed with his real surname, Fargonne, addressed to his friend Pierre Louÿs, 7 pages written in black ink on two bifolia bearing the letterhead of the Reina Christina Hotel in Algeciras.

Folding marks inherent to mailing, envelope included.

After postponing his reply, Claude Farrère finally decides to write to his friend: "Et plutôt que d'attendre toute ma vie (on ne sait jamais, affirmait la Mirabelle du roi Pausole), je préfère vous dire aujourd'hui que je ne sais rien." He takes the opportunity to evoke a recently deceased mutual friend: "j'ai eu une vraie désolation, en apprenant que la pauvre Nite était morte - je vous jure que je serais bien le dernier à rire du vers moliéresque - n'importe en quelle circonstance - mais en celle-ci, c'est très pire ; figurez-vous que j'adorais cette petite bête blanche pour l'avoir vue peut-être douze fois en tout"

He wryly comments on the military diligence that earned him favor with his superiors: "Et j'ai su d'autre part, - voie féminine - que mon empressement et mon enthousiasme à rallier le Cassini furent remarqués et commentés à Toulon - Qu'est-ce qu'on va dire quand on me verra revenir, mein Gott !!!! Il va falloir que je cherche un home à quadruple sortie. Nous chercherons ensemble, le mois prochain, entre Tamaris et Mourillon."

First edition, with no copies printed on deluxe paper.

A pleasant copy despite two small creases at the foot of the front cover.

Inscribed and signed by Jean Favier to the Belgian literary critic Pol Vandromme.

First edition, one of 450 numbered copies on Corsican paper.
A pleasant copy, despite the spine and covers being slightly and marginally toned, as often.

Fine autograph letter, dated and signed, addressed to his friend Pierre Louÿs; 7 pages in violet ink on two bifolia, with the original envelope preserved.

Folds from original mailing.

Soon to be on leave from the Moroccan Expeditionary Corps, Claude Farrère announces to his friend his imminent return to France following an Andalusian journey: "je pendrai au plus tardle train du 4 juin, à Algéciras ; lequel train, après escales à Grenade, Cordoue, Séville et Tolède, me déposera, le 11 au matin, à Toulon - Voilà !"

He mentions a book that struck him and evokes two women: "feuilletez, vous comprendrez l'in térêt que j'attache au cas, intérêt tout à fait analogue à celui que vous inspire une jeune personne à ui je vais dédier mon prochain conte au journal intitulé : 'sur le Boul' Mad'... La préface du bouquin en question est un chef d'oeuvre d' (je ne sais pas de quoi ! Fichtre ! On va bien, de nos jours... [...] voyez-vous qu'on publiât des histoires comme ça sur notre... dos- quatre ans après notre mort ???"

Claude Farrère ironically comments on his literary and epistolary activity shared with his friend: "J'aurais tellement besoin de regarder vos Hok'saï avant d'écrire certaines pages de mon sale bouquin ! ... Mon Maroc n'est pas du temps perdu. Je l'ai considéré comme dix mois de travail forcé. Et je vous en rapporte un manuscrit qui en est aujourd'hui à sa 392e pages, - qui toutes ensemble ne valent pas une ligne de Psyché !"

His rebellious and independent spirit draws suspicion from the military establishment: "Votre lettre datée du 8 mai, ne m'est arrivée qu'hier 18. J'ai lieu de croire que ma correspondance est très surveillée depuis quelque temps."

First edition, one of 15 copies on Japan paper, the deluxe issue.

Minor foxing to the edges of the covers, otherwise a desirable and uncommon copy with all edges uncut.

Rare example of this propaganda leaflet published by the Nazi Occupier, which became the most iconic image of the Resistance. This smaller version of the famous Affiche Rouge features the poster on the recto and a paragraph on the verso castigating « l'Armée du crime contre la France » ("the Army of Crime against France"). It opens with accusations against the « rêve mondial du complot juif » ("the global dream of the Jewish conspiracy") and claims that « si des Français sabotent, pillent et tuent (...) ce sont toujours des juifs qui les inspirent » ("if Frenchmen sabotage, loot, and kill (...) it is always Jews who inspire them").
A discreet horizontal crease, otherwise superb condition for an ephemeral document.

Accompanied by the rare brochure entitled 'L'armée du crime' ('The army of crime') in the format of a newspaper illustrated with 14 pages of photographs.
A trace of horizontal fold. A fine copy.

« Car les volontaires des Forces Françaises de l'intérieur [...] tous également fiers d'avoir libéré leurs provinces sans appui direct des forces débarquées estiment n'en avoir pas assez fait et se sont lancés, dans un élan spontané vraiment admirable [...] à la poursuite des hitlériens qu'ils veulent reconduire qu'au Rhin. [...] Un bon nombre se servent de véhicules de réquisition ou de récupération. Tel est le cas du 8^e Dragons, groupe de reconnaissance motorisé de la colonne formée par les F.F.I. de Corrèze, qui arrive à Paray-le-Monial, le 7 septembre, en même temps que le 2^e Dragons. Le Chef d'escadron Merlat qui le commande se met aussitôt à disposition du lieutenant-colonel Demetz qui l'incorpore d'emblée à son groupement. » (For the volunteers of the French Forces of the Interior [...] all equally proud of having liberated their provinces without direct support from the landed forces believe they have not done enough and have launched themselves, in a truly admirable spontaneous surge [...] in pursuit of the Hitlerians whom they want to escort back to the Rhine. [...] A good number use requisitioned or recovered vehicles. Such is the case of the 8^th Dragons, motorized reconnaissance group of the column formed by the F.F.I. of Corrèze, which arrives at Paray-le-Monial on 7 September, at the same time as the 2^nd Dragons. Squadron Leader Merlat who commands it immediately places himself at the disposal of Lieutenant-Colonel Demetz who incorporates him straightaway into his group.)

First edition on ordinary paper.
Small tears repaired at head and foot of spine.
Half black morocco binding, smooth spine, gilt date at foot, decorative abstract patterned paper boards, blue paper endpapers and pastedowns, original wrappers and spine preserved, binding signed Thomas Boichot.
Rare and precious autograph inscription signed by Charles De Gaulle on this text which he dedicated to Marshal Pétain: "A mon ami Louis Borel en souvenir de ses précieux conseils et de sa fidélité. Avec mon bien cordial témoignage. 7 octobre 1938. Charles." (To my friend Louis Borel in remembrance of his precious advice and his loyalty. With my most cordial testimony. October 7, 1938. Charles.)