Oeuvres choisies. Etudes de moeurs contemporaines.

First edition and first printing of the 320 wood engravings. Publication of the 4 volumes from 1846 to 1848, which explains why they are found separately.
Contributions by Théophile Gautier, Laurent-Jan, Léon Gozlan, Auguste Lireux and Jules Hetzel under the pseudonym P.-J. Stahl among others.
Contemporary half black shagreen bindings. Flat false raised bands spine decorated with ornate compartments. Gilt titles and volume labels. Gilt edges. Blind ruling frame on boards. A. Gaillard at foot. Roulettes on bands. Very fine gold and grey decorative endpapers. Pale scattered foxing on very white paper.
Work illustrated with a general frontispiece, 14 vignettes including one repeated and 320 plates, all engraved on wood.
References: Vicaire, III, 953-955; Brivois pp.168-171; Carteret, III-260-264.
"Important work, presenting an original work drawn anew by the artist from his lithographs; the whole gives a good idea of Gavarni's talent and the customs of his time.
This work is very rare in fine condition." Carteret.