First editions, fine papers and deluxe printings of French and foreign literature, 16th to 21st century

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

A rare and handsome copy.

Inscribed and signed by Jean de La Varende to Monsieur Gorrée.

First edition, one of 45 copies on Vergé de Voiron, the only copies printed on deluxe paper.
Very handsome copy.

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 of the French translation, of which no deluxe copies were issued.

A horizontal crease to the front cover, otherwise a well-preserved copy.

Rare signed presentation inscription from Tom Wolfe to the journalist and literary critic Bernard Pivot: "To Bernard Pivot with a deep bow and profound thanks for such a marvelous evening. Tom Wolfe September, 9, 1988."

Tom Wolfe's masterpiece was splendidly adapted for the screen by Brian De Palma, starring Tom Hanks, Bruce Willis, Melanie Griffith, and Morgan Freeman.

First edition, one of 50 copies printed on pur fil du Marais, the only deluxe copies along with a few not-for-sale copies.
A handsome copy.

First edition, one of 125 numbered deluxe copies, the only copies printed on deluxe paper.
Handsome copy, preserved as issued, loose in gatherings and housed in a double chemise and full cream cloth slipcase.

First edition, one of 25 copies printed on pure wove paper, the only copies on deluxe paper.

A rare and handsome copy.

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.

First edition, one of 35 numbered copies on Neige vellum, the only deluxe copies.
Handsome copy.

First edition, one of 60 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only deluxe copies after 28 on pur fil.

A handsome copy.

First edition, one of 25 numbered copies on Johannot pure rag paper, the deluxe issue.

A fine copy.

Inscribed and signed by Roger Vailland to the publisher Jean Chastel.

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

A fine copy.

First edition of the French translation, one of 210 numbered copies on pur fil, the only deluxe copies issued.

A handsome copy, despite the boards being very slightly and marginally faded, as often.

First edition, one of 26 numbered copies on Vélin du Marais, the only deluxe copies.

Rare and appealing copy.

First edition, one of 249 numbered copies on B. F. K. de Rives, the only printing other than 1 copy on Hollande and 24 on vélin crème de Renage. Illustrated with 4 original colour lithographs by Rufino Tamayo.

This copy further contains an additional suite of the 4 lithographs by Rufino Tamayo, usually reserved for the deluxe copies. Printed stamps to the versos of each engraving: "Annulation d’estampille pour annulation de vente".

Rare and highly sought-after first edition.
Contemporary binding in black half shagreen, flat spines richly decorated with gilt ornamental rolls, discreet and skilful restoration to the foot of one joint, black paper-covered boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, sprinkled edges. Discreet restoration to the lower hinge of the first volume.
Exceptionally clean copy, virtually free of foxing (a rarity according to Clouzot, who notes that most copies are usually heavily spotted).
Provenance: from the libraries of Saint-Germain (with printed crowned bookplate beneath the titles on the half-titles); Count de Bonvouloir (with his printed bookplate, Château de Magny in Calvados...

First edition printed in small numbers at the author's expense. This book exists only in proof state with blank wrappers and was never commercially sold. There were no deluxe copies printed.

The author distributed to his friends this set of printed proofs, with blank wrappers. The first cover, also blank, bears a printed stamp "proofs".

Foxing to covers, joints lightly rubbed.

Exceptional presentation copy: "to Monsieur Mauge this clandestine book most cordially Jacques Chardonne."

First edition, one of 74 numbered copies on Rives vellum, deluxe edition.

Beautiful copy.

First edition, one of 50 numbered copies on chiffon vélin paper, the only deluxe copies aside from a few out-of-commerce copies also printed on chiffon vélin.

A fine copy.

First edition, one of 5 numbered copies printed on Japan paper, the deluxe issue.

Bound in chocolate-brown half morocco, spine with five raised bands framed by black fillets, date gilt-stamped at foot; sides covered in cat's-eye paper, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, original wrappers bound in, top edge gilt. A finely executed unsigned binding, slightly later.

A handsome copy in an appealing presentation.

First edition, one of 30 numbered copies on Lana wove paper, a deluxe issue.
Handsome copy, untrimmed, despite some occasional foxing to the deckle edges.

New edition, partly original as it has been revised and expanded, one of the advance review copies.
Handsome copy complete with the wrap-around band bearing the quote: "L'adolescence le bonheur et le suicide."
Signed autograph inscription by Gabriel Matzneff to his friend, the Belgian literary critic Pol Vandromme: "Pour Pol Vandromme, ce livre stoïcien et chrétien, en amical hommage. Gabriel Matzneff."
 

First edition of the French translation, one of 40 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only copies printed on deluxe paper.
Handsome copy.

First edition, one of 60 numbered copies on Arches wove paper, the only deluxe issue.

A fine copy.

First edition, one of 105 numbered copies on vélin neige, the only deluxe copies issued after 12 on pur fil.
Handsome copy.

First edition, one of 50 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only deluxe copies along with a few hors commerce also printed on alfa.
Fine copy.

First edition, one of 137 numbered copies on pure vellum paper, a deluxe issue following 80 copies on Montval paper.

A handsome copy.

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

A fine copy.

First edition, one of 50 copies printed on Madagascar paper, ours being one of 20 hors commerce copies, from the deluxe issue.

A handsome copy.

First edition of the French translation, one of 50 numbered copies on pur fil paper, the only deluxe issue.
Attractive copy, with minor foxing to the spine.

First edition, one of 158 copies printed on pur fil paper, following only 45 on Hollande.

A fine copy.

First edition, one of 230 numbered copies on Vélin du Marais, the deluxe issue.

A handsome copy.

First edition, one of the review copies.
A very good copy.
Inscribed by Gabriel Matzneff to his friend, the Belgian literary critic Pol Vandromme: "Pour Pol Vandromme, avec l'espoir de le revoir prochainement en Belgique ou à Paris, amitiés fidèles. Gabriel Matzneff."
 

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...

First edition, with no copies issued on deluxe paper.

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

Illustrated content.

First edition on ordinary paper, bearing the correct colophon dated August 25, 1978.

With a printed stamp to the upper right corner of the half-title page; publisher's price sticker affixed to the foot of the lower cover.
A handsome copy.

First edition, with no deluxe copies issued.
A pleasant copy.
Inscribed by Gabriel Matzneff to his friend, the Belgian literary critic Pol Vandromme: "Pour Pol Vandromme, en amical hommage. Gabriel Matzneff."
 

First edition on ordinary paper.
A well-preserved copy.
Concise yet striking presentation copy, inscribed and signed by Gabriel Matzneff to his friend, the Belgian literary critic Pol Vandromme: "Pour Pol Vandromme, torero de première classe, amicalement. Gabriel Matzneff."
 

First edition, one of 50 numbered copies on China paper, the only copies printed on deluxe paper.

A pleasing copy.

Illustrated with plates by Louis Dunki.

First edition clandestinely printed in 175 copies on laid paper, each individually numbered.
 
Bound in full mint green morocco, spine with five raised bands framed by black fillets, subtle restoration to spine colour, date gilt at foot, endpapers and pastedowns of combed paper, gilt fillet border on pastedowns, original wrappers and spine preserved, all edges gilt, chemise edged in mint green morocco, covers of cat's eye paper, white felt interior, an elegant binding signed by Alix.
 
A very rare and handsome copy bound by one of the most distinguished binders of the second half of the twentieth century.

 

First edition, one of 10 numbered copies on Madagascar paper reserved for the author, the smallest limitation on deluxe paper after the 2 copies printed on pure rag paper, also hors commerce, printed for Jacques Hébertot.
A very handsome copy.

First edition, one of 40 copies printed on Crèvecoeur du Marais paper, the only copies on deluxe paper.

A pleasant copy, despite a faint sunning at the foot of the spine.

First edition on regular paper.
Pleasant copy.
Inscribed and signed by Jean d'Ormesson to Jacqueline Rendoing.




 

First edition, with no copies printed on deluxe paper.
Minor creases to the front cover, without consequence.
Amusing signed inscription by François Cavanna to a friend named Paul: "Pour Paul, ces galopardes, ces galipettes dans les coins noirs de l'histoire. Cavanna."
 

First collected edition of the French translation, one of 50 numbered copies on vélin alfa, the only copies printed on deluxe paper.

A handsome copy, with only a few insignificant foxing spots to the edges.

New edition, one of the review copies.
A handsome copy.
Lengthy signed autograph inscription from Gabriel Matzneff to his friend, the Belgian literary critic Pol Vandromme: "Pour Pol Vandromme que j'aimerais beaucoup revoir à Paris ou lors d'un de mes prochains séjours en Belgique, ce roman qui s'est, en onze ans, bonifié, comme le vin, avec mon très amical et fidèle souvenir. Gabriel Matzneff."
 

First edition on ordinary paper.
Pleasant copy despite some minor foxing to the edges, publisher's wraparound band preserved.
Inscribed by Jean d'Ormesson to the Belgian literary critic Pol Vandromme: "Bon noël ! cher Pol Vandromme, Bonne année ! et beaucoup d'amitiés de Jean d'Ormesson"



 

First edition, one of the review copies.

A handsome copy, complete with the wraparound band: "Les rois mages racontés par Michel Tournier".

Inscribed and signed by Michel Tournier to the Belgian literary critic Pol Vandromme: "Pour Pol Vandromme en toute amitié."

First edition on ordinary paper.
A handsome copy despite a few tiny spots on the front cover, with the promotional band preserved.
Inscribed by Jean d'Ormesson to the Belgian literary critic Pol Vandromme : "... les baisers les plus affectueux de Casimir et l'amitié reconnaissante de J.O."



 

First edition of the French translation, one of 44 numbered copies on pur fil, the only copies printed on deluxe paper.

Spine very slightly sunned without consequence, bookplate affixed to the verso of the front cover, a handsome copy.

Collected edition, partly first edition, of the plays of Pierre Corneille, printed in Rouen by Laurens Maurry and sold in Paris by Augustin Courbé and Guillaume de Luyne. Illustrated with three allegorical engraved frontispieces and 23 full-page copper-engravings, largely designed by François Chauveau and engraved by artists including Jérôme David, Mathéus and Louis Spirinx.

All three frontispieces are dated 1660. The title-pages and privileges of the first and third volumes are likewise dated 1660, while those of the second volume bear the date 1664. The second volume therefore belongs to the 1664 reissue...

First edition, no deluxe copies printed.
Handsome copy.
Important presentation copy inscribed by Claude Lévi-Strauss to Jean-François Revel.
 

First edition on ordinary paper, with a mention of the fourth edition.
Bradel binding in green almond half percaline, smooth spine slightly faded and decorated, gilt fillet at foot, brown shagreen label, marbled paper boards, original wrappers preserved, extremities very slightly rubbed, contemporary binding.
Inscribed and signed by Guy de Maupassant to Paul Hervieu.
 

First edition, one of the review copies.

A pleasant copy despite a repaired tear at the foot of one joint.

Inscribed and signed by Blaise Cendrars to Georges Le Cardonnel.

First edition of this rare historical novel by Jean de Pelisseri, published in Paris by Charles de Sercy in 1684, illustrated with an allegorical frontispiece and 34 half-page engravings by Sébastien Le Clerc, one for each chapter.

Contemporary full red morocco with gilt dentelle. Spine with raised bands, the compartments decorated with a repeated small floral tool known as the “fleur d’oignon”; morocco lettering- and numbering-pieces; broad gilt dentelle borders composed of small tools to the...

First edition, one of 62 numbered copies on madagascar paper, deluxe copy.
Some light foxing affecting mainly the edges.
Half dark blue morocco binding, spine with five raised bands, cat's-eye paper boards, combed paper endpapers and pastedowns, original wrappers and spine preserved, top edge gilt, binding signed by Devauchelle.
Handsome copy beautifully executed.

First edition, one of the advance review copies.

Spine and covers slightly and marginally sunned, internally clean and well-preserved.
Work for which Patrick Modiano was awarded the "Prix Goncourt" in 1978.
Rare inscribed copy, signed by Patrick Modiano to Jean-François Revel.
 

First edition of the French translation, one of 150 numbered copies on pur fil, the only deluxe copies issued after 25 copies on Holland paper.

A fine copy with all edges untrimmed.

First French edition of the translation, with no copies printed on deluxe paper.

A handsome copy complete with its illustrated dust jacket, which shows minor tears to the head of the spine and panels.

The book was adapted for the screen in 2006 by Tom Tykwer, starring Ben Whishaw and Dustin Hoffman.

First edition, one of 45 numbered copies on pur fil, the only copies printed on deluxe paper.

A handsome copy.

First edition, printed in 105 copies on Rives wove paper, this copy being one of the 60 with an original etching signed in pencil by Annie Proszynska.

Colophon signed in pencil by both Guy Rohou and Annie Proszynska.

Illustrated with 15 original etchings by Annie Proszynska, including a frontispiece, a full-page plate, a double-page plate, and 12 in-text illustrations.

A fine copy, complete with its original Siena moiré cloth chemise and slipcase.

First edition, untrimmed with wide margins, very rare and highly sought-after (see Clouzot). Some occasional foxing.

Illustrated on the title pages of both volumes with two engraved vignettes by Porrêt. This copy contains the publisher’s notice leaf in the first volume and the author’s note leaf in the second volume.

Contemporary red half calf over marbled boards, calf corners, spines ruled in gilt with...

First edition, one of 41 numbered copies on Hollande paper, the leading issue.

A fine copy.

First text: first edition, with no copies issued on deluxe paper; second text: first edition in part.

Publisher's full grey cloth binding, flat spine, complete with the original dust jacket.

Illustrated with photographs by Tony Armstrong-Jones.

A small stain to the lower part of the front endpaper, otherwise a pleasing copy.

Inscribed and signed by Paul Morand: "A maître Chérier, ce tunnel sous la manche, très fidèlement Morand."

True first edition, with no deluxe paper copies issued.

Half red morocco over marbled boards, corners in morocco, spine with five raised bands adorned with gilt fillets and double gilt compartments, date stamped in gilt at foot, minor rubbing to the bands, gilt fillet border on the marbled paper boards, comb-marbled endpapers and pastedowns, original wrappers and backstrip with a few minor losses preserved, a light scratch to an upper corner, contemporary binding signed by C. Septier.

Inscribed by one of the authors on the half-title page, to Marcel Gropiot.

A handsome copy attractively bound in a period...

First edition on ordinary paper.

Spine creased as often, otherwise a pleasant copy.

Illustrated.

Inscribed and signed by Jean Marais to Madame Romanini.

First edition on ordinary paper.

Small loss and a stain to the lower left margin of the lower cover, folding marks to the right margin of the upper cover.

Preface by Jacques Laurent.

Inscribed and signed by Antoine Blondin: "Pour Philippe Patrice Cazenave leur ami Antoine Blondin".

First edition, partly original, of the author's complete works.

Our copy retains the engraved frontispiece portrait of Madame de Staël by Müller, present in the first volume.

Some minor foxing, rare minor scratches on a few covers, holes at the bottom of the last marbled paper flyleaf in the ninth volume.

Full pinkish-red glazed calf bindings, smooth spines with richly...

First edition, with no deluxe paper copies issued.

Slight, insignificant tears to the foot of the covers.

A handsome copy.

First edition of this theatre programme for Jean-Paul Sartre's adaptation of Alexandre Dumas's Kean, staged at the Théâtre Marigny in 1988, directed by Robert Hossein and starring Jean-Paul Belmondo in the title role.

A fine copy. Illustrated throughout.

Boldly signed by Jean-Paul Belmondo in black felt-tip pen on the cover.

First edition, one of 15 numbered copies on tinted antique Japan paper, ours being one of 5 hors commerce lettered copies, comprising the deluxe issue.

Minor spotting to the half-title and following leaf, otherwise a fine copy with full margins.

First edition, with no deluxe copies printed; one of the review copies.

Small tears to the spine and along the left edge of the front cover.

Rare signed autograph tribute by Boris Vian on this text.

First edition, this one the no. 1 of 25 numbered copies on Japon, most limited deluxe issue.

Bound in grey half morocco, smooth spine, marbled paper boards, mould-made endpapers, original wrappers preserved, pastedown bookplate, top edge gilt, contemporary binding signed by L. Pouillet.

A rare and handsome copy in an attractive contemporary binding.

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.

First edition, one of the review copies.

Spine very slightly sunned, not affecting legibility.

Fine signed presentation inscription from Emmanuel Berl to a friend named Françoise: "A Françoise, belle, charmante comme une fée... son ami..."

First edition, one of the review copies.

Spine very slightly sunned, not affecting legibility.

Inscribed by Emmanuel Berl to a friend named Françoise.

First edition, one of 35 numbered copies on Holland paper, the deluxe issue.

A fine copy.