Rarest Books (Untraceables)

First edition of this important work by Pierre Louvet devoted to the history of Provence, published in Aix in 1676 in two volumes. It forms the first part of the three major works that Louvet was to devote to the province, followed by L’Histoire des troubles de Provence in 1679 and the Additions et illustrations sur les deux tomes de l’Histoire des troubles de Provence in 1680, the latter two both published in Aix by Charles David.

The present copy is illustrated with an armorial frontispiece and 27 engraved portraits. The iconographic make-up varies considerably between...

First edition, one of 27 numbered copies on vélin paper, signed by Fred Deux on the justification page.
This example is complete with its 14 hors texte engravings, signed and numbered by Fred Deux.
A very good and rare copy. 

First edition, an ordinary paper copy.
Contemporary green half shagreen, marbled paper boards, spine with five raised bands and gilt flowers, speckled edges.
With the autograph signatures of every author of the "Médan group" involved in the writing of this famous collection of short stories: Guy de Maupassant, Emile Zola, Joris-Karl Huysmans, Léon Hennique, Paul Alexis and Henri Céard on the first endpaper.
A very good and rare copy in a strictly contemporary binding.

First edition, one of 10 numbered copies on Hollande paper, the only large paper copies along with 10 on China.
Contemporary half red morocco over marbled paper boards, spine in six compartments with gilt flowers, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, covers preserved, top edge gilt.
Provenance : from the Lallemand de Mont collection, Stanislas de Guaita's son in law with his ex libris to pastedown.
A rare large paper copy with an exceptional provenance. 

First edition, one of 50 copies on vergé de Hollande, only deluxe issue (with 10 copies on papier Chine).
Contemporary dark red shagreen, probably a publisher's binding, spine in six compartments with gilt fleurons, covers with double gilt fillet frame and gilt fleurons to corners, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, edge of covers ruled in gilt, gilt roulette to head-pieces, top edge gilt, slipcase edged in dark red shagreen. 
A very rare and handsome copy perfectly set in a contemporary binding.

First edition, one of 2,800 copies from the regular issue, following 60 copies on cream Japon imitation paper.
Minor spotting to the boards, foxing to the endleaves.

Valuable signed autograph inscription from Henri Bosco to Henri Béraud.
Provenance: from the Île de Ré library of Henri Béraud.