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

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Bradel binding in half sage-green cloth, spine decorated with gilt floral motif, double gilt fillet at foot, red shagreen title label, marbled paper boards, original wrappers preserved, contemporary binding.
Presentation copy inscribed by Emile Nolly to Jean Ajalbert.
Also contains a four-page signed and dated autograph letter from the author, mounted on a stub, and addressed to the dedicatee in which Emile Nolly warmly thanks Jean Ajalbert for supporting his candidacy for the Prix Goncourt as well as for his laudatory articles in the Indochinese press concerning "Hien le maboul". Finally...

First edition on ordinary paper.
Contemporary Bradel binding in half almond cloth, smooth spine very slightly faded decorated with a gilt typographical fleuron, double gilt fillet at foot, red shagreen title-label, marbled paper boards, original wrappers preserved, front cover with small harmless stains at head.
Presentation copy, signed and inscribed by Jules Renard to Jean Ajalbert.

Provenance: Jean Ajalbert’s Japanesque bookplate, in the style of the Nabis, woodcut printed in a very small number of copies and signed with a monogram, probably that of Félicien Rops. "His bookplate bears all the character of his literature: it is an idealised...

First edition, one of the rare copies on Japan paper, ours specially printed for Paul Ollendorff.

Half navy blue morocco binding with corners, spine with five raised bands set with gilt dots decorated with double gilt compartments richly embellished with gilt typographical motifs as well as a mosaic piece of hazel morocco, gilt date at foot, very light traces of rubbing without consequence on the spine, double gilt fillet frame on marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, top edge gilt, contemporary unsigned binding but attributable to Lancelin.

Handsome copy agreeably bound.
Provenance: from the library of Paul Ollendorff.

First edition, one of 50 numbered copies on Holland paper, this copy bearing No. 1, the only deluxe copies.

Half dark green morocco binding with corners, spine with five raised bands decorated with gilt stippling and ornamented with double gilt compartments richly embellished with gilt typographical motifs, gilt date at foot, frame of gilt fillets on marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, original wrappers preserved, top edge gilt retaining its deckled edges, contemporary binding signed by Lancelin.

Handsome full-margined copy in fine condition.
Provenance: from the library of Paul Ollendorff.

First edition, for which there is no mention of large paper copies.
Contemporary Bradel binding in half khaki cloth over marbled paper boards, the spine with gilt floral motif, a double gilt fillet at foot of spine, red shagreen title label (small marginal scratches), one lower corner rubbed.
A rare and precious autograph inscription from Alphonse Allais to his publisher Paul Ollendorff : "... le seul éditeur vraiment digne de ce nom, hommage d'un auteur qui n'est pas non plus dans une potiche [the only publisher really worthy of that name, homage from an author who is also not on a sinecure".
Provenance : library of Paul Ollendorff.