Memoirs, Biographies and Essays

Gédéon TALLEMANT DES RÉAUX
Historiettes. Mémoires pour servir à l'histoire du XVIIème siècle
Delloye|Paris 1840|10.50 x 18 cm|10 volumes reliés en 5
New edition.
Half black shagreen bindings, spines with four raised bands set with gilt fillets decorated with richly ornamented gilt compartments, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns.
Work illustrated with engraved portraits as frontispieces.
Library shelf labels pasted to heads of three pastedowns.
Some foxing.
Rare.
€150
BERTHOLD-MAHN, Claude AVELINE
Les ouvrages de Georges Duhamel, essai de bibliographie précédé d'une Lettre sur les bibliophiles par Georges Duhamel
Claude Aveline|Paris 1925|14.50 x 19.50 cm|broché
First edition, one of 865 numbered copies on handmade laid paper.
Work illustrated with a portrait of Georges Duhamel by Berthold Mann and a facsimile.
Handsome copy.
€40
Anne Thérèse de Marguenat de Courcelles LAMBERT, Louise COLET
Oeuvres morales de Mme de Lambert précédées de l'éloge de l'auteur par Fontenelle, et d'un essai sur les écrits de Mme de Lambert, par Mme Louise Colet
Charles Gosselin|Paris 1843|11 x 18 cm|relié
New edition.
Half blue sheep binding, smooth spine lightened decorated with gilt friezes, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, upper corners slightly bumped, contemporary binding.
Occasional minor foxing.
A handsome copy attractively bound in a charming contemporary binding.
€80
Théodore Agrippa d' AUBIGNÉ
Mémoires de Théodore Agrippa d'Aubigné publiés pour la première fois d'après le manuscrit de la Bibliothèque du Louvre suivis de fragments d l'Histoire universelle de D'Aubigné et de pièces inédites par M Ludovic Lalanne
Charpentier|Paris 1854|11 x 18 cm|relié
First edition.
Half violet shagreen binding, spine with four raised bands decorated with triple gilt compartments with gilt floral motifs at their centers, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, speckled edges, contemporary binding.
Some minor foxing.
€200
Vittorio ALFIERI
Mémoires de Victor Alfiéri, d'Asti, écrits par lui-même
Charpentier|Paris 1840|11 x 18 cm|relié
New edition of the French translation established by Antoine de Latour.
Half red shagreen binding, smooth spine decorated with gilt romantic arabesques, gilt fillet on red paper boards with shadow at head, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, speckled edges.

€80
Marcel PROUST
Chroniques
Nrf|Paris 1927|17 x 22 cm|broché
First Edition, one of 129 numbered copies on laid Lafuma Navarre and reimposed format in-quarto tellière, head print.
A tiny stain at the bottom of the second board.
Beautiful copy as published.
€1,500
VOLTAIRE
Correspondance Tome I : 1704-1738
Gallimard • , Bibliothèque de La Pléiade|Paris 1964|10.50 x 18 cm|reliure de l'éditeur
Bibliothèque de La Pléiade edition printed on Bible paper.
Publisher's binding in full blue grained sheep, smooth spine decorated with gilt fillets, complete with dust jacket and cellophane wrapper.
€35
Théophile GAUTIER
Italia
Victor Lecou|Paris 1852|12.50 x 18 cm|relié
First edition
Contemporary red half Russian morocco, the spine with double gilt fillets, corners very lightly rubbed.
Presentation copy, inscribed by Théophile Gautier to Monsieur Bufquin des Essarts on half-title.
€3,000
Charles-Augustin SAINTE-BEUVE
Lettres à la princesse
Michel Lévy frères|Paris 1873|11 x 18 cm|relié
First edition.
Half cherry red shagreen binding, spine with five raised bands decorated with gilt fillets, dots and fleurons, marbled paper boards, contemporary binding.
Scattered foxing.
€60
Jean-François MARMONTEL
Mémoires
Firmin Didot frères|Paris 1857|11.50 x 18.50 cm|relié
New edition preceded by an introduction by François Barrère.
Half caramel calf binding, spine with five raised bands set with black fillets decorated with double gilt fillets, dark green morocco title label, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, marbled top edge, contemporary binding.
Handsome copy attractively bound.
€100
Victoria OCAMPO
Testimonios[Testimonies]
Editorial Sudamericana|Buenos Aires 1946|14 x 20.50 cm|broché
First edition.
Handsome signed and dated autograph inscription in French from Victoria Ocampo to the singer (Jane) Bathori, who was the partner of the comedian Andrée Tainsy : "... qui a travaillé pour la musique en Argentine with tant de générosité and de chaleur..."
Iconography.
Spine sunned.
€750
Henri Frédéric AMIEL
Fragments d'un journal intime
H. Georg|Genève [Geneva] • & Paris • & Bâle [Basel] 1892|12 x 19.50 cm|2 volumes reliés
Sixth edition preceded by a study by Edmond Scherer.
Full chocolate brown morocco bindings, spine with five raised bands, gilt roulettes on headcaps, marbled paper boards, front covers stamped in their centers with a gilt monogram, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, gilt dentelle framing the pastedowns, top edges gilt, gilt fillets on the leading edges, elegant unsigned bindings.
A perfectly established copy.
€300
Charles-Augustin SAINTE-BEUVE
Lettres à la princesse
Michel Lévy frères|Paris 1873|11 x 18 cm|relié
First edition.
Half black shagreen binding, spine with five raised bands decorated with gilt fleurons, one joint rubbed and fragile, marbled paper boards with some surface wear, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, contemporary binding.
Some minor foxing affecting mainly the margins.
€50
Marcel PRÉVOST
Dernières lettres de femmes
Alphonse Lemerre|Paris 1897|15.50 x 19.50 cm|broché
Edition, one of the 15 copies on China, deluxe edition after 5 and 10 Whatman Japan.
Our copy is the publisher Alphonse Lemerre who signed the book by "copy editor" enriched his initials under the justification of the draw.
A wetting at the foot of the second half of the body of the work.
€80
Edmond & Jules de GONCOURT (RÉJANE's copy)
Madame de Pompadour
Charpentier|Paris 1881|11 x 18 cm|relié
New edition
Half dark green shagreen binding, spine with five raised bands decorated with black fillets, gilt name at foot, red shagreen title-label with a lack, red shagreen author label with a small marginal lack, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, speckled edges, contemporary binding.
Provenance: from the library of the great tragedienne Gabrielle Réjane with her name gilt at foot of spine.
€80
Albert CAMUS
Actuelles II - Chroniques 1948-1953
Gallimard|Paris 1953|12 x 19 cm|broché
First edition, an advance (service de presse) copy.
Autograph inscription from Albert Camus to Raymond Peju.
Spine lightly, but insignificantly, sunned.
€1,800
Caroline JAUBERT
Souvenirs de madame C. Jaubert, lettres et correspondances
J. Hetzel & Cie|Paris s. d. [1884]|12 x 18.50 cm|relié
Second edition.
Half blue shagreen binding, lightened spine with five raised bands set with gilt dots decorated with gilt double compartments ornamented with gilt typographical motifs, minor scratches of no consequence to spine and joints, double fillets on marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns.
About notably Henri Heine and Alfred de Musset, whose mistress Madame Jaubert was.
€80
Louise-Adélaïde de BOURBON-CONDE
Lettres écrites en 1786 et 1787, publiées par M. Ballanche
Imprimerie de Jules Didot l'aîné|Paris 1834|10.50 x 17.50 cm|relié
First edition, published by Pierre-Simon Ballanche, of the intimate correspondence of Louise-Adélaïde de Bourbon, known as Mademoiselle de Condé, addressed to her friend the Marquis Nicolas-Louis Magon La Gervaisais. It contains 2 letters of 4 pages each, in facsimile.
Contemporary binding in full glazed blue calf, smooth spine decorated with geometric compartments and gilt dentelles, gilt frames and fleurons in the corners on the boards, gilt striations on the corners, gilt floral roulette framing the pastedowns, all edges gilt.
Manuscript notation in pen on the half-title.
€450
André CHÉNIER
Oeuvres en prose de André Chénier augmentées d'un grand nombre de morceaux inédits et précédées de deux notices littéraire et historique, avec toutes les pièces inédites relatives à son procès devant le tribunal révolutionnaire
Librairie de Charles Gosselin|Paris 1840|11.50 x 18.50 cm|relié
Edition with some parts in first edition.
Half raspberry red calf binding, spine with five raised bands set with gilt dots decorated with gilt double compartments and gilt romantic arabesques, two small tears to the spine, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, speckled edges.
Bookplate pasted to one pastedown.
Our copy belonged to Paul Lacroix, known as le bibliophile Jacob, who offered it to his sister with this signed autograph inscription: "A ma chère soeur Julie".
Handsome copy.
€150
Jules BARBEY D'AUREVILLY
Femmes et moralistes
Alphonse Lemerre|Paris 1906|12 x 19 cm|broché
New edition.
Two small lacks to foot of spine and a spot to foot of upper cover, internally good.
€30
Henri RAMET
Histoire de Toulouse
Librairie Tarride • Imprimerie régionale|Toulouse s. d. [1935]|16.50 x 25.50 cm|broché
Edition illustrated with 15 boards inset and numerous vignettes.
Tribute autograph Henri Ramet head of the title page.
A tear in foot of the back, which is inevitable in view of the fragility of this volume of 922 pages, two small angular gaps on the second board.
€100
Prosper MÉRIMÉE
Lettres à M. Panizzi 1850-1870
Calmann Lévy|Paris 1881|14 x 22.50 cm|2 volumes reliés
First edition.
Bound in half straw yellow shagreen, spines with five raised bands set with black fillets decorated with double black compartments at whose centers the gilt cipher of the great bibliophile Roger de Cormenin is repeated four times, navy blue morocco title and volume labels, light scratches of no consequence at head of joints, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, top edges gilt, near-contemporary bindings.
Work illustrated with two portraits of Prosper Mérimée by A. Leveille as frontispieces to the volumes.
Provenance: from the library of Roger de Cormenin, son of Louis de Cormenin who was the confidant and secretary of Théophile Gautier and...
€200
George SAND, COLLECTIF
Une vieille histoire in Heures du soir. Livre des femmes
Urbain Canel • Adolphe Guyot|Paris 1833|14.50 x 22.50 cm|4 volumes brochés
First edition.
Contributions notably by George Sand "Une vieille histoire", Anaïs Ségalas "Un visage rose et un visage ridé", Ernestine Legouvé "Un lâche", Amable Tastu "Trop tard", Marie de Surville "Mystère", Isabelle de Montolieu "Mina"...
Lacks to spine ends, occasional light foxing.
Rare gathering of the first four volumes of these works written by women writers.
€250
Louis FARGES
Ma terre. Visions et souvenirs de l'Auvergne et du Massif Central
Impimerie P. Carrère • chez l'auteur|Rodez • & Aurillac 1932|11.50 x 18.50 cm|relié
first edition on the current paper.
Full binding brown shagreen, slightly thinned smooth back, framing a net gilded on the boards, guards and contreplats paper moiré, preserved cover, binding signed Nicolas.
Dated and signed autograph dedication to Louis Farges his young cousin Robert Garrabos: "... for he loves with equal love the Auvergne thief and the heath of Biscay and thus becomes or Chancellor or Marshal ..."
€60
Louis JALENQUES
Quelques jolies lettres de Vermenouze
Imprimerie moderne|Aurillac 1923|16.50 x 25.50 cm|agrafé
Edition of wich no leading copies exists.
Signed autograph of Louis Jalenques the Auvergne Robert Garric.
Catholic reformist, he was the founder of "social Teams" in 1920, which aimed to establish a social elite and bring the good word about the brotherhood born of the trenches to the workers, in the tradition of patronage. Simone de Beauvoir, then student of Robert Garric in philosophy at Sainte-Marie Institute of Neuilly, remembers him in his "Memoirs of a Tidy Wench" "Garric appeared; I forgot everything else and myself; the authority of his voice subdued me. In twenty years we he...
€50
Raymond QUENEAU
Journal 1939-1940 suivi de Philosophes et voyous
Gallimard|Paris 1986|14.50 x 22 cm|broché
First edition, one of 47 numbered copies on vélin pur chiffon, the only large paper copies.
A very good copy.
€400
(Alphonse de LAMARTINE)
Lettres à Lamartine 1818-1865 publiées par Mme Valentine de Lamartine
Calmann Lévy|Paris 1893|14 x 19.50 cm|broché
First edition, one of 20 numbered copies on Japan paper, the only deluxe copies.
Letters written by George Sand among others.
A small lack at head of spine, handsome copy with full margins.
€200
Jacques Marquet de Montbreton NORVINS
Histoire de Napoléon
Furne|Paris 1840|15.70 x 24.20 cm|relié
Edition abundantly illustrated with original vignettes and plates by Raffet. Handsome and famous Romantic illustrated work.
Half black shagreen binding, smooth spines decorated with Romantic rocaille ornaments, frame of two gilt fillets on the aubergine paper boards, endpapers and pastedowns of crosshatched dark blue paper, corners rubbed. Rubbing to headcaps, contemporary Romantic binding. Occasional light spotting on clean white paper. Of note, the presence of three childish drawings made as tracings on the verso of three plates. Each plate is protected by a pink tissue guard.
Work illustrated with 80 wood-engraved plates and a steel-engraved frontispiece as well as numerous...
€400
Albert CAMUS
Actuelles - Chroniques 1944-1948
Gallimard|Paris 1950|12 x 19 cm|broché sous chemise et étui
First edition, one of 23 numbered copies on Hollande paper, the tirage de tête
A fine, unsophisticated copy.
€3,500
Maurice BLANCHOT (Marcel PROUST)
L'expérience de Proust. Manuscrit autographe complet[The Proust Experience. Complete Autograph Manuscript]
1943|21 x 13 cm|en feuilles
Autograph manuscript by the author, four and a half pages in octavo, published in the issue of Journal des Débats dated 12 May 1943.
Complete recto-verso manuscript in a dense hand, featuring numerous deletions, corrections, and additions.
A literary column written on the occasion of the publication of Ramon Fernandez’s book À la gloire de Proust.

It was to Maurice Blanchot that his friend Emmanuel Levinas owed his discovery of the work of Marcel Proust, which he deeply admired despite Charles Maurras’s condemnation—a judgment that, at first, failed to turn him away from it. What Blanchot valued most in Proust was his at times fluid rhythm and his...
€2,300
Paul ÉLUARD (inscribed to Raymond QUENEAU)
Première anthologie vivante de la poésie du passé - Exemplaire de Raymond Queneau
Pierre Seghers|Paris 1951|14 x 19.50 cm|2 volumes brochés
First edition on ordinary paper.
Handsome autograph inscription from Paul Eluard to Raymond Queneau on the first volume: "... ce livre qui nous rajeunit...[…this book that makes us young again…]"
€1,500
Raymond ESCHOLIER
Un amant de génie, lettres d'amour et carnets réunis
Arthème Fayard|Paris 1953|13.50 x 22.50 cm|broché
First edition on ordinary paper.
A good copy.
€40
Claude BONNEFOY (inscribed to Raymond QUENEAU)
Entretiens avec Eugène Ionesco - Exemplaire de Raymond Queneau[Conversations with Eugène Ionesco – Raymond Queneau’s Copy]
Pierre Belfond|Paris 1966|11 x 18 cm|broché
First edition, of which no copies on deluxe paper were issued.
Spine slightly faded as usual.
Precious signed presentation inscription from Eugène Ionesco to Raymond Queneau: "Pour Raymond Queneau, le Satrape, avec mon admiration affectueuse (et que tant je voudrais revoir plus que de temps à autre). Eugène Ionesco."

€1,000
Jean COCTEAU
Reines de la France[Queens of France]
Grasset|Paris 1952|11.50 x 17.50 cm|broché
First edition, one of 25 numbered copies on Madagascar, tirage de tête.
Autograph inscription from Jean Cocteau to Roger Bradier.
Spine re-inforced to head and foot.
€800
André CHESNIER DU CHESNE
Le "Ronsard" de Victor Hugo
G. Crès & Cie|Paris 1929|14.50 x 20.50 cm|broché
New edition printed on vélin paper.
Original preface by Léon Deffoux.
A tiny lack to head of spine slightly sunned, otherwise a good copy
€30
Maurice BLANCHOT
La bête de Lascaux[The Beast of Lascaux]
GLM|Paris 1958|12 x 18.50 cm|broché
First edition, one of 48 numbered copies on Hollande, tirage de tête.
A tiny tear, not serious, to foot of upper cover.
A rare and very good copy.
€400
Arthur KOESTLER
La treizième tribu
Calmann-Lévy|Paris 1976|15 x 23.50 cm|broché
First edition in French for which there were no large paper copies.
A trace of fold to foot of lower cover, a good copy.
€70
Georges ZEVORT, Ernest RENAN
Souvenirs d'enfance et de jeunesse
La Connaissance|Paris 1922|-|relié
Edition illustrated with full-page and text illustrations by Zévort as well as hand-colored initials by Sourdot, one of 980 numbered copies on pur fil paper, the only issue with 10 China and 10 Holland copies.
Half red shagreen binding, spine with four fine raised bands, traces of rubbing at band margins, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, covers and spine preserved, top edge gilt.
Pleasant interior condition.
€80
Pierre de COUBERTIN
Histoire universelle
Société de l'Histoire universelle|Aix-en-Provence 1920|16.50 x 25.50 cm|4 volumes brochés
First edition of which there were no large paper copies.
A rare and good copy.
€680
Isidore ISOU
Réflexions sur André Breton
Editions lettristes|Paris 1948|12 x 15.50 cm|agrafé
First edition, one of 60 numbered copies on B.F.K. de Rives, the only large paper copies.
Covers and spine lightly and marginally sunned as usual, internally good.
€750
Pierre DRIEU LA ROCHELLE
Le jeune européen
Nrf|Paris 1927|17 x 22 cm|broché
First edition, one of 109 numbered copies on Lafuma Navarre and re-imposed in Tellière quarto format, tirage de tête.
Retaining a printed visit card of the author, absent from Paris.
Spine slightly sunned, with a small tear on foot.
€750
Francis CARCO
Amitié avec Toulet suivi des lettres de Toulet à Francis Carco et d'une note de l'éditeur
Le Divan|Paris 1934|12 x 18.50 cm|broché
First edition, one of 433 numbered copies on alfa Navarre paper.
Spine and covers slightly and marginally sunned as usual.
€40
Francis CARCO
Souvenirs sur Katherine Mansfield
Le Divan|Paris 1934|-|broché
First edition, one of 112 copies on Rives laid paper, the only printing with 43 on Japan paper.
Signed and inscribed copy by Francis Carco to a close friend: "A toi, vieux Claude, avec mon fidèle souvenir." ["To you, old Claude, with my faithful remembrance."]
Handsome copy.
€200
Francis CARCO
Gérard de Nerval
Albin Michel|Paris 1953|12 x 19 cm|broché
First edition on ordinary paper.
With a frontispiece photographic portrait of Gérard de Nerval.
A good copy.
€40
Joséphine BAKER
Les mémoires de Joséphine Baker recueillis et adaptés par Marcel Sauvage
Corrêa|Paris 1949|12 x 19 cm|broché
Les Mémoires de Joséphine Baker recueillis et adaptés par Marcel Sauvage
Corrêa | Paris 1949 | 12 x 19 cm | original wrappers
New edition, one of 50 numbered copies on vélin Johannot, the only grand papier (deluxe) copies.
Illustrated cover.
Illustrations, some press clippings tipped in, which caused a clear fading, on half-title page.
A rare and good copy.
€800
ANONYME, Louis Antoine Joseph JARRY DE MANCY
La véritable conspiration dévoilée, ou réflexions sur un ouvrage de M. de Chateaubriand, pair de France, chevalier de Saint-Louis. - Grandes dénonciations de M. le vicomte de Chateaubriand. - Lettre d'un plébéien à monsieur le vicomte de Chateaubriand sur la proposition relative aux dernières élections, et ce qui suit dans la brochure publiée par le noble pair. - Quelques mots sur un pamphlet de M. le vicomte de Chateaubriand ayant pour titre : "Du système politique suivi par le ministère". - Première lettre de M. ... à M. le vicomte de Chateaubriand. - Lettre à M. le vicomte de Chateaubriand concernant un pamphlet intitulé "De la monarchie selon la charte". - Réfutation des erreurs de M. le vicomte de Chateaubriand de la Charte constitutionnelle, de la représentation nationale, de la nature du pouvoir des deux chambres, de l'initiative, de la prérogative royale et de la responsabilité des ministres. - Remarques sur les remarques de M. le vicomte de Chateaubriand, pair de France. - Note sur le dernier écrit de M. le vicomte de Chateaubriand et sur les doctrines constitutionnelles de ce noble pair
L'Huillier • Delaunay • Plancher • Lelong • Pelissier|Paris 1816 & 1818|12.50 x 20 cm|9 opuscules reliés en 1 volume
First editions for each of the 9 volumes, all published anonymously except the fourth and sixth.
Bradel binding in full old rose cardboard, smooth spine faded, navy shagreen title-label, scuffs to boards, corners slightly bumped, yellow edges, contemporary binding.
Ink stains on the first endpaper and the following two pages diminishing until they disappear, another affecting the third opuscule on most pages, another ink stain affecting more lightly at foot and without touching the text the pages of the second opuscule, scattered foxing.
Rare collection of texts defending or demolishing Chateaubriand's political action during the years from 1816 to 1818.

€350
Albert CAMUS
Actuelles II - Chroniques 1948-1953
Gallimard|Paris 1953|12 x 19 cm|broché
First edition, an advance (service de presse) copy.
Autograph inscription from Albert Camus to Constant Burniaux.
€1,800
Hector FLEISCHMANN
Une maîtresse de Victor Hugo d'après des documents nouveaux et des lettres inédites
Librairie universelle|Paris 1912|13 x 20.50 cm|relié
First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Bradel binding in half purple cloth, smooth spine faded with gilt fleuron, double gilt fillet at foot, hazel shagreen title-label, marbled paper boards, original wrappers preserved, contemporary binding.
Work illustrated with in-text and full-page illustrations.
€50
Charles de LOMENIE
Trois années de la vie de Chateaubriand (1814-1816). Son rôle et ses écrits à l'origine du royalisme parlementaire
Albert Fontemoing|Paris 1905|16.50 x 24.50 cm|broché
First edition printed in a small number of copies of this offprint of the Correspondant.
Spine and covers marginally sunned, spine with small lacks.
€30
Joseph LE GRAS
Un complément aux "Mémoires d'outre-tombe" : Mémoires et lettres de madame de Chateaubriand
Henri Jonquières|Paris 1929|14.50 x 20.50 cm|broché
First edition on ordinary paper.
Illustrated hors texte.
A good copy.
€30
Jacques LADREIT DE LACHARRIÈRE
Les cahiers de madame de Chateaubriand
Emile-Paul|Paris 1909|14 x 20.50 cm|broché
First edition published complete with introduction and notes by Jacques Ladreit de Lacharrière.
The work illustrated with a portrait of Madame de Chateaubriand as frontispiece.
Handsome copy.
€40
Joseph JOUBERT
Lettres à madame de Vintimille
Au masque d'or|Paris 1921|12.50 x 18 cm|broché
First edition, one of 800 numbered copies on Rives laid paper, the only issue with 30 on Japan paper.
Work illustrated with a portrait of Madame de Vintimille as frontispiece.
Occasional light worming to endpapers, handsome copy.
€40
Emmanuel DES ESSARTS
Portraits et maîtres
Perrin & Cie|Paris 1888|12 x 19 cm|broché
First edition.
About Chateaubriand, A. de Vigny, A. de Lamartine, G. Sand, T. Gautier, V. Hugo...
Spine cracked with small lacks, interior foxing.

€30
Charles ROMEY
Chateaubriand prophète
Garnier frères|Paris 1849|10.50 x 17 cm|relié
First edition published anonymously.
Full mouse-grey cloth Bradel binding, smooth spine, burgundy morocco title-label.
€80
Étienne de SENANCOUR
Observations critiques sur l'ouvrage intitulé Génie du Christianisme suivies de quelques réflexions sur les écrits de M. de B., etc. relatifs à la loi du Divorce
Delaunay|Paris 1816|12.50 x 20.50 cm|relié
First edition rare.
Half sheep, rubbing on the spine, corners bumped, contemporary binding.
Almost withour foxing.
€750
Le maître de CLAVILLE
Traité du vrai mérite de l'homme
Aux dépens de la Compagnie|à Amsterdam 1748|9.50 x 16.50 cm|relié
New edition. Title page in red and black.
Contemporary full marbled brown calf binding. Decorated spine with raised bands. Red morocco title-label. Head of spine partly lacking. 2 corners slightly bumped.
A treatise on moral philosophy and education in the taste of the 18th century, that is to say written with wit, style and eloquence, irony and seriousness, finesse and didacticism, and for good reason, this treatise was much read and appreciated in its time. If it invents nothing, the author assembles all the moral thought of the 18th century, heir to the moralists of the previous century, which is no small thing.
€200
Gabriel PAILHÈS
La duchesse de Duras et Chateaubriand d'après des documents inédits
Perrin & Cie|Paris 1910|14 x 23 cm|broché
First edition.
Illustrated with 8 etchings.
A good copy.
€60
LE DUC DE LA FORCE
Chateaubriand au travail
Edouard Aubanel éditeur|Avignon 1941|12 x 19 cm|broché
First edition, one of 25 numbered copies on Hollande paper, the only large paper copies.
A good copy.
€80
CHEDIEU DE ROBETHON
Chateaubriand et Madame de Custine
Plon|Paris 1893|12 x 19 cm|broché
First edition.
Spine sunned, occasional small foxing.
€30
Jean COCTEAU
Le foyer des artistes
Plon|Paris 1947|14 x 20 cm|broché
First edition, one of 16 numbered copies on Japan paper, this one of 6 hors commerce, the tirage de tête.
A very good, well-margined copy.
€1,500
Charles Ferdinand RAMUZ
La guérison des maladies[The Cure of Diseases]
Grasset|Paris 1924|12 x 19 cm|broché
Second edition but first for many parts, one advance (service de presse) copy.
Rare autograph inscription signed by Charles-Ferdinand Ramuz to Pierre de Massot.
Spine and back lightly sunned as usual.
€500
Charles Ferdinand RAMUZ
Raison d'être[Reason for being]
Editions du Verseau|Lausanne 1926|19 x 27 cm|broché
First edition, one of 33 numbered copies on Hollande, tirage de tête after 12 Japon.
Signed by the author on an endpaper.
Endpaper and some edges marginally faded, a good copy with good margins.
€600
Emile JOUVENEL
Chez les marsouins. Mémoires. - Journal de bord. - Lettres et nouvelles
Eugène Figuière & Cie|Paris 1914|13 x 19 cm|relié
First edition printed on laid paper.
Half mauve cloth binding, smooth spine faded decorated with a central gilt fleuron, double gilt fillet at tail, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, covers preserved, top edge gilt, contemporary binding.
Autograph inscription signed by Emile Jouvenel to his friend the poet Jean Ott which has been slightly trimmed at head.
€50
Simone de BEAUVOIR, Gisèle HALIMI
Djamila Boupacha
Gallimard|Paris 1962|14.50 x 21 cm|broché
First edition, one of 125 numbered copies on pure thread, the only deluxe paper copies.
Illustrations.
A fine copy.
€1,500
Albert CAMUS
Actuelles II - Chroniques 1948-1953
Gallimard|Paris 1953|12 x 19 cm|broché
First edition on ordinary paper.
Autograph inscription from Albert Camus to J.P. Loiseau : "... pour le remercier encore...[to thank him once more]."
Spine lightly sunned.
€1,800
Jean-Baptiste-Louis GRESSET
Oeuvres choisies précédées d'un essai sur sa vie et ses écrits par M. Campenon
Janet & Cotelle|Paris 1823|13.50 x 22 cm|relié
New edition.
Full green calf binding, faded spine with five raised bands decorated with gilt wavy fillets ornamented with gilt floral friezes, gilt roulettes on headcaps, traces of rubbing on headcaps and joints, frame of gilt floral frieze and another stamped in blind on boards, three small stains on second board, frame of gilt floral dentelle on pastedowns, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, all edges gilt, gilt fillet on leading edges, elegant contemporary Romantic binding signed by Bibolet.
Work illustrated with an engraving as frontispiece.
Scattered foxing.
€80
André DIGNIMONT, Paul LÉAUTAUD
Journal littéraire. Fragment
L'originale|Paris 1948|18.50 x 24 cm|en feuilles
First edition, one of 60 numbered copies on Rives vellum, ours one of the few hors commerce copies, the only printing with 10 on Arches.
The work illustrated with 4 original etchings by André Dignimont.
Minimal loss to head of spine.
Rare and handsome copy.
€450
Gabriel FOURNIER, Paul LÉAUTAUD
Souvenirs de basoche
L'originale|Paris 1948|18.50 x 24 cm|en feuilles
First edition, one of 60 numbered copies on vélin de Rives, ours one of the few hors commerce copies, the only issue with 10 Arches.
Illustrated with 3 original etchings by Gabriel Fournier.
A cut to the front cover also affecting the following pages up to the frontispiece etching and title page.
€80
Henry MURGER
Histoire de Mürger pour servir à l'histoire de vraie bohème par trois buveurs d'eau
Jules Hetzel|Paris (1872)|11.50 x 18 cm|relié
First edition.
Full hazel cardboard binding, smooth spine decorated with blind fillets, boards slightly and marginally discolored, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, contemporary binding.
Occasional light foxing.
€120
Charles-Augustin SAINTE-BEUVE, Alfred de VIGNY
Lettres inédites publiées avec une introduction et des commentaires de Louis Gillet
Kra|Paris 1929|15 x 20.50 cm|broché
First edition, one of 600 numbered copies on laid paper, ours unnumbered, the only deluxe copies.
Fine signed autograph inscription from Louis Gillet to the poet Armand Godoy mentioning Charles Baudelaire and Edgar Allan Poe
As frontispiece, a facsimile of an autograph letter from Sainte-Beuve to Vigny.
Spine and boards marginally sunned, handsome interior condition.
€50
Jean-Paul SARTRE
L'homme & les choses
Seghers|Paris 1947|11.50 x 17.50 cm|broché
First edition, one of 100 numbered copies on vélin Johannot, tirage de tête.
A very good copy of this text about Francis Ponge.
€680
Claude FARRÈRE
L'extraordinaire aventure d'Achmet Pacha Djemaleddine, pirate, amiral, grand d'Espagne et marquis avec six autres singulières histoires
Flammarion|Paris 1921|13 x 19.50 cm|broché
First edition, one of 175 numbered copies on Holland paper, the deluxe issue after 35 on China paper.
Spine slightly sunned, one joint cracked at foot, endpapers shadowed, otherwise pleasant interior condition.
€50
Maurice MARTIN DU GARD
Les mémorables[Memorabilia]
Flammarion • Grasset|Paris 1957-1978|16.50 x 21.50 cm|3 volumes brochés
First edition, one of 30 numbered copies on chiffon de Lana paper for the first two volumes and one of 64 numbered copies on vergé de Voiron for the last, the tirage de tête for the first two volumes and the only large paper copies for the last.
Trace of a transverse fold to upper cover of second volume, upper cover of third volume slightly sunned at foot, with transparent traces of adhesive paper to endpapers of same volume.
A very good and rare set that one rarely finds complete with the third volume, which appeared later.
€1,200
Pierre de CRISENOY
Essai sur Jules-Amédée Barbey d'Aurevilly
Bibliothèque des entretiens idéalistes|Paris 1908|14 x 23 cm|broché
First edition printed in 250 copies.
Fine autograph inscription signed by Pierre de Crisenoy on a full page in red ink in the manner of Barbey d'Aurevilly to Monsieur H. Barthélémy: "... au réalisateur de tant de beaux livres et en remerciement de la magnifique édition des "Membra", ce humble essai de mes vingt ans, en attendant mieux. / 18 Septembre 1944." ["... to the creator of so many beautiful books and in gratitude for the magnificent edition of "Membra", this humble attempt from my twenties, awaiting better. / 18 September 1944."]
Worming to boards, handsome interior condition.
Rare.
€80
A superb copy, impeccably bound in a triple binding by Duhayon
A superb copy, impeccably bound in a triple binding by Duhayon
Jean-Paul SARTRE
Les mouches[The Flies]
Gallimard|Paris 1943|12 x 19 cm|relié sous chemise et étui
First edition, one of 18 numbered copies on pur fil, from the deluxe issue.
Full red Jansenist morocco binding, spine in five compartments, date gilt at foot, black morocco endpapers and pastedowns, covers and spine preserved, all edges gilt; matching half red morocco chemise, spine in five compartments, date gilt at foot, black felt lining; slipcase edged in red morocco, ochre felt interior, a highly elegant ensemble superbly executed by Duhayon.
A superb copy, impeccably bound in a triple binding by Duhayon.
€12,000
André BRETON (inscribed to Jean-Paul SARTRE)
La lampe dans l'horlogeThe Lamp in the Clock
Robert Marin|Paris 1948|11 x 17 cm|broché sous chemise et étui

BRETON André. La Lampe dans l'horloge [The Lamp in the Clock]
Robert Marin, Paris 1948, 11 x 17 cm, original wrappers with custom slipcase
First edition, one of the numbered copies on alfa mousse paper, this one not justified.
Wrappers in chemise and case.
With an exceptional and important presentation inscription from André Breton to Jean-Paul Sartre.
Case with almond-colored paper boards and chemise, red morocco title-piece and label with “exemplaire de J. P. Sartre [J.P. Sartre's copy]”.
This inscription from the Pope of Surrealism to the master of Existentialism – of whose rare meetings, most notably in New...
€8,000
Paul VALÉRY
Rhumbs
Gallimard|Paris 1933|11.50 x 18.50 cm|relié
First Gallimard edition, one of 58 numbered copies on Japan paper, deluxe copy.
Half purple shagreen binding with corners, spine with four raised bands with slight harmless scuffs, marbled paper boards, endpapers and pastedowns, covers and spine preserved, top edge gilt, contemporary binding.
€120
Selma LAGERLÖF
Mon journal d'enfant
Stock|Paris 1939|12 x 19 cm|broché
First edition in French, one of 120 numbered copies on pur fil paper, the only deluxe copies.
With a photographic portrait of the author as frontispiece.
A handsome copy.
€150
Maurice MERLEAU-PONTY
Les aventures de la dialectique[Adventures of the Dialectic]
Gallimard|Paris 1955|12 x 19 cm|broché
First edition, one of the review copies, with a false statement of a second edition at the foot of the half-title page.
Precious presentation copy inscribed and signed by Maurice Merleau-Ponty to Maurice Nadeau: "... avec mes bien amicales pensées..."
€600
Émile ZOLA
Documents littéraires[Literary Documents]
Charpentier|Paris 1881|12 x 18.50 cm|relié
First edition.
Contemporary red cloth Bradel binding by Pierson, spine with gilt floral motif, date and double gilt fillet to foot, black shagreen title label.
A little light spotting, principally affecting the first and final few leaves.
Ex libris of Adolphe Racot on inside upper cover.
Concerning Victor Hugo, Alfred de Musset, George Sand, François-René de Chateaubriand, Théophile Gautier, Alexandre Dumas fils, and so on…

Autograph inscription from Emile Zola to Adolphe Racot.
€1,500
Otto MELANDER
Jocorum atque seriorum, tum novorum, tum selectorum, atque imprimis memorabilium
Hartmanni Palthenii|Francofurti [Frankfurt am Main] • (Francfort) [Frankfurt am Main] 1617|7 x 16 cm|relié
A fairly rare new edition, following the original published in 1603 by Dyonisius Melander and considerably expanded by his son Otto Melander. Printer's device on title page.

Half black shagreen binding ca 1850. Spine with raised bands decorated with rolls on the bands and fillets. Date at foot. Title page yellowed.

Collection of anecdotes and amusing stories with 1749 entries; one will encounter many famous figures. This type of collection, originally derived from serious compilations of maxims and sentences from the Ancients, was very popular at the end of the 16th and beginning of the 17th century, some are frankly ribald and bawdy, others more serious and historical...
€400
Julien GRACQ
Préférences
José Corti|Paris 1961|12 x 19 cm|broché
First edition for some parts, one of 75 numbered copies on pur fil paper, the tirage de tête.
A fine copy.
€1,800
Charles-Augustin SAINTE-BEUVE
Causeries du lundi[Monday Chats]
Garnier frères|Paris 1857|11.50 x 18.50 cm|15 volumes reliés
Third edition, first in parts.
Contemporary half caramel-colored calf over marbled paper boards, spine in six compartments with gilt dots and double gilt compartments richly gilt with decorative motifs, dark red morocco title pieces and dark green volume labels, some headpieces slightly rubbed, headpiece of volume four repaired, some joints cracked and repaired, gilt fillet frame to covers, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, some corners bumped, top edge gilt.
Handsome autograph inscription signed by Charles Augustin Saint-Beuve to Madame Paul Huet, the wife of the noted Romantic painter and friend of Victor Hugo.
Manuscript ex donos of Pierre Jean David d'Angers'...
€1,200
Louis-Ferdinand CÉLINE
Lettres à Albert Paraz, 1947-1957
Gallimard|Paris 1980|14 x 20.50 cm|broché
First edition of which there were no large paper copies.
A good copy.
€60
Maurice BLANCHOT
Tradition et surréalisme. Manuscrit autographe et tapuscrit complets[Tradition and Surrealism. Complete Autograph Manuscript and Typescript]
S. n. • [ Journal des débats]|s. l. • [Paris] s. d. [1943]|13.50 x 21.50 cm|2 1/2 pages in-8
Autograph manuscript by the author of 2 and a half quarto pages published in the December 23, 1943 issue of Journal des Débats.
Complete manuscript in very dense handwriting, with numerous deletions, corrections and additions. The complete typescript is included.
This article, one of the rare pieces to appear on the journal's front page, is an audacious critique of the traditionalist vision of Art, which, arguing for the necessary adequacy between Art and Truth, condemns Modernity. With implacable intellectual rigor, Blanchot demonstrates how this conception of "authentic Art" "joins exactly that of the surrealists" and cites one of the major...
€1,500
Maurice BLANCHOT
Voyages de Montesquieu. Manuscrit autographe et tapuscrit complets. [Montesquieu’s Travels. Complete autograph manuscript and typescript]
S. n. • [ Journal des débats]|s. l. • [Paris] s. d. [1943]|13.50 x 21.50 cm|4 1/2 pages in-8
Autograph manuscript by the author of 4½ pages in-8 published in the September 8, 1943 issue of Journal des Débats.
Complete manuscript with very dense handwriting, containing numerous deletions, corrections and additions.
The complete typescript is included.
Literary chronicle published on the occasion of the publication of Les Voyages de Montesquieu, prefaced by Marcel Arland.
This artificial collection of Montesquieu's travel notebooks gives Blanchot the opportunity to praise a form of "natural" writing, "pure of all concern for readership". These intimate notes indeed testify to an art of "concision [which] delivers [facts] to...
€1,200
Maurice BLANCHOT
Le baron d'Holbach. Manuscrit autographe et tapuscrit complets[Baron d'Holbach. Complete autograph manuscript and typescript]
S. n. • [ Journal des débats]|s. l. • [Paris] s. d. [1943]|13.50 x 21.50 cm|4 1/2 pages in-8
Autograph manuscript by the author of 4½ pages in quarto published in the November 27-28, 1943 issue of Journal des Débats.
Complete manuscript with very dense handwriting, containing numerous deletions, corrections and additions.
Literary chronicle published on the occasion of the publication of Paul Thiry d'Holbach et la philosophie scientifique au XVIIIe siècle by Pierre Naville.
The complete typescript is included.
Far more than a critique of Pierre Naville's work on Baron d'Holbach, this long article by Blanchot is a veritable philosophical pamphlet against the materialist thought of the Encyclopedists, whom he accuses of wanting to « know the world...
€1,200
Marcel PROUST
Chroniques
Nrf|Paris 1927|17 x 22 cm|broché
First Edition, one of 129 numbered copies on laid Lafuma Navarre and reimposed format in-quarto tellière, head print.
Beautiful copy as published.
€1,500
Albert CAMUS
Carnets. Mai 1935 - Février 1942
Gallimard|Paris 1962|12.50 x 19.50 cm|relié
First edition, one of 90 numbered copies on Hollande paper, the tirage de tête.
Elegant half red morocco binding over marbled paper boards by P. Goy & C. Vilaine, spine in six compartments, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, covers and spine preserved, top edge gilt.
A very good, well-margined copy in a handsome binding.
€2,300
Jean GALTIER-BOISSIÈRE
Le petit crapouillot. Choix de chroniques, 1946-1966
Editions Du Lérot|Tusson 2006|16 x 22 cm|broché
First edition of which there were no large paper copies.
Iconography.
A very good copy.
€40