Les contes drolatiques

First illustrated edition with 425 illustrations by Gustave Doré. As indicated on the title page, this is the fifth edition of the droll tales, but the first illustrated one.
Some first printing points: In the title "par Gustave Doré" appears on a single line. Page XXI is numbered XX. The caption on page 326 reads "Le joyeulx curé de Meudon". The name and address of Fain rue Racine N° IV appears on page 425.
Half burgundy morocco binding with corners signed Champs at the top of the first endpaper. Spine with raised bands richly decorated with ornate compartments. Burgundy morocco title label and date label mistakenly marked 1860. Gilt fillets on boards. Top edge gilt. Traces of rubbing. Corners rubbed. Some scattered foxing. Victor Champs is one of the most prolific and renowned binders of the late nineteenth century.
"This illustration is like no other in its powerful originality: it is Gallic, Rabelaisian, and sparkling with wit. Doré certainly poured the best of his talent into the Contes drolatiques. They had no success however and the entire edition was remaindered. Today, it is one of Doré's most sought-after works" (Leblanc).
"masterpiece where each vignette is a gem". Béraldi.
Although the edition is posthumous, the project arose from a meeting between Balzac and the bibliophile Jacob, whose friend Doré was.