First edition, of which only 500 copies were issued. With an etched frontispiece portrait of Théophile Gautier by Émile Thérond.
With a substantial prefatory letter by Victor Hugo.
Full red morocco binding, gilt date at the foot of spine, marbled endpapers, Baudelairian ex-libris from Renée Cortot’s collection on the first endpaper, wrappers preserved, top edge gilt. Pale foxing affecting the first and last leaves, beautiful copy perfectly set.
First edition, one of 50 numbered copies on Japan, deluxe copies ("tirage de tête").
Two small tears in the head and foot of the spine, nice copy wide-margined.
First edition, one of 70 numbered copies on Lafuma de Voiron and reimposed in quarto Tellière format, only deluxe copies ("tirage de tête").
Spine and cover slightly and marginally sunned.
Nice copy.
First edition, one of the publisher’s press copies.
Some light spotting to the boards and spine.
Exceptional signed autograph inscription from Raymond Queneau to his very close friend and biographer Jean Queval, himself a leading figure and co-founder of Oulipo.
This dedication is followed by a second one — in English and heavily corrected — by Jean Queval: "To the [?], in friendship. NB. I smoke no more. This is a rather nice book, one on which I worked. There's also Beowulf. There is a university in Limoges. Untest uncheck ! Nan is none too well."
