Tome VIII

First edition, one of 25 copies on Japon. A name copy printed for Delanier, his name inscribed by the publisher in pen, with his signature.

Illustrated with 8 original etchings by Jean-Adrien Mercier in two or three states, with an exceptionally added original pencil drawing by the artist.

Red half-chagrin Bradel binding, flat spine, author and title gilt-lettered on spine, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and flyleaves, original wrappers preserved, top edge gilt, binding signed M. Godillot.

Corners lightly rubbed, a few faint marks on the leather of the front board, trivial soiling to the joints.

Delanier's personal copy, book restorer and character in the novel itself. The book contains multiple inscriptions, including a humorous one from the author: "A mon vieil ami Delanier / grand maître du Service de Santé de l'Armée des Livres / Hommage de l'auteur" [To my old friend / grand master of the Health department in the Army of Books / Homage from the author] on the justification leaf.

Mercier sketched a precious original drawing of one of the characters, with an autograph inscription, signed and dated: "A l'ami Delanier / ce portrait de la jeune Alice. / en attendant celui que je lui ai promis. / très amicalement / Jean A. Mercier. / 2. 38." [To my friend Delanier / this portrait of the young Alice / to wait for the one I promised him / Jean A. Mercier. / 2. 38." on the second half-title.

Delanier holds a central place in this work, which contains his portrait by Mercier in three states. The illustrator inscribed the second state: "à mon ami Delanier / Jean A. Mercier. 38". This fine portrait, showing him in his restoration workshop, was drawn after a photograph that appears as the frontispiece of another work by Lascoutx on Delanier (Le Médecin des Livres : Delanier, 1939).

In turn, Delanier himself presented this copy to Pierre Briquet, publisher and rare books expert. His ex-dono inscription appears beneath the third state: "à Pierre Briquet, l'image de ce petit coin qu'il connaissait bien, en souvenir des bonnes soirées passées ensemble à « l'époque bénie »" [to Pierre Briquet, the image of this little corner he knew so well, in remembrance of the nice evenings spent together during this 'blessed era']. Briquet presumably noted in pencil, at the foot of the same leaf, the date he received this gift: "+ 6 août 1941".  The copy subsequently passed back through the author's hands, who inscribed it himself on the first half-title: " à m Pierre Briquet / En bonne sympathie / Hommage de l'auteur".

One of the most desirable copies of this novel, filled with antiquarian booksellers, dealers and restorers, a paragon of bibliophily combining a deluxe issue, an original drawing, multiple etchings in several states, as well as two inscriptions from the author, two from the artist, and an ex-dono from the book's principal character.

Pierre Briquet's bookplate on the front pastedown, together with press cuttings relating to Lascoutx's position with the Service de Santé des Armées.