Le diable boiteux

Illustrated edition with first printing of a title vignette, 140 half-page vignettes, all by Tony Johannot, engraved by Brevière. Moorish-style bandeaux and drop capitals. Text framed with a double black fillet.
The original frontispiece has been replaced by an original signed watercolor by Adolphe Lalauze (1838-1906) for an illustration of Le Diable boiteux, and an original ink drawing by the painter and illustrator Henri Pille (1844-1897), dedicated to his friend Dr. Laffont and dated May 3, 1896. Furthermore, the copy has been enhanced with 9 etchings engraved by Louis Monziès after drawings by Henri Pille for the Lemerre edition of 1879, in two states, on vellum before letters and on chine before letters (the 9 proofs on chine bear Pille's autograph signature); and with a portrait of the author and 7 etchings by Adolphe Lalauze for the Jouaust edition of 1880, before letters on laid paper (each proof has been signed in red by the artist). Copy assembled by Dr. Laffont, dedicatee of Henri Pille's drawing, who noted in his hand the list of added pieces opposite the cover. The binding was also executed at his request by Charles Meunier in 1899.
Full lavender morocco binding signed Charles Meunier at the bottom of the pastedown (with morocco-edged slipcase). Spine with raised bands decorated with 2 tools and the same mirrored in the center. Covers with a wide frame repeating the motif used on the spine. Decorative border frame inside on the pastedowns. Edges gilt. Covers and spine preserved. Some pale foxing only from p. 304 to 312. Traces of rubbing to joints and headcaps. Some offsetting from the engravings.
Superb copy in very rare condition.