Memoirs, Biographies and Essays

Louis-Ferdinand CÉLINE
Lettres à Alexandre Gentil (1940-1948)
Editions Du Lérot|Tusson 2014|17.50 x 24 cm|broché
First edition on bulky paper
Handsome copy.
€50
Paul MORAND
Lettres à des Amis et à Quelques Autres
La Table Ronde|Paris 1978|15.50 x 23 cm|broché
First edition, one of 50 numbered copies on Lana laid paper, the only deluxe copies with some hors commerce copies, ours being one of the latter.
Very handsome copy.
Preface by Michel Déon.

€780
François-Martin SALVAT, Jean RACINE
Abrégé de l'Histoire de Port-Royal
A l'enseigne du Pot Cassé|Paris 1928|13.50 x 20 cm|broché
New edition, one of 50 numbered copies on Japan paper, deluxe copy.
Handsome copy.
Work illustrated with wood engravings in head- and tailpieces by François-Martin Salvat.
€150
Denis de ROUGEMONT
Doctrine fabuleuse
Ides et Calendes|Neuchâtel 1947|16 x 22.50 cm|broché
First edition, one of 32 numbered copies on Montgolfier paper, deluxe copy.
Second cover lightly and partially shaded, occasional worming.
Handsome copy.
€150
Simone de BEAUVOIR
La Force des choses
Gallimard|Paris 1963|14.50 x 21 cm|broché
First edition, one of 35 numbered copies on Holland, the “tirage de tête”.
A beautiful copy despite tiny foxing on the spine and another at the foot of the first board.
€3,500
Simone de BEAUVOIR
Tout compte fait
Gallimard|Paris 1972|15 x 22 cm|broché
First edition, one of 40 numbered copies on Holland, the “tirage de tête”.
Ex-libris glued to the head of an endpaper.
A beautiful copy despite a slightly puckered spine.
€2,000
[STENDHAL under the pseudonym of] Louis-Alexandre-César BOMBET
Lettres écrites de Vienne en Autriche, sur le célèbre compositeur Jh Haydn[The Life of Haydn, in a Series of Letters Written at Vienna: Followed by the Life of Mozart, with Observations on Metastasio, and on the Present State of Music in France and Italy]
De l'Imprimerie de P. Didot l'aîné|Paris 1814|12.50 x 20.50 cm|relié
De l'Imprimerie de P. Didot l'Aîné | Paris 1814 | 12,5 x 20,5 cm | bound in calf

First edition of Stendhal's very first book, published under the pseudonym of Louis-Alexandre-César Bombet.

Contemporary binding in half brown calf, spine decorated with gilt fillets and tooling as well as a red morocco title piece.

”Very rare” according to Clouzot
€6,000
Julien GRACQ
Lettrines
José Corti|Paris 1967|12 x 18.50 cm|broché
First edition, one of 50 numbered copies on Lafuma paper, deluxe copies after 15 on Rives vellum.
Handsome copy.

€800
Marcel JOUHANDEAU
Magnificat. Journaliers XIII Mars-Juillet 1963
Gallimard|Paris 1969|12.50 x 20 cm|broché
First edition, one of 10 copies on parchment reserved for the author and on colored paper, the most restricted deluxe issue.
Handsome copy.
Autograph inscription signed by Marcel Jouhandeau quoting a passage from the work.

€200
Francis PONGE
La fabrique du pré
Albert Skira|Genève [Geneva] 1971|16.50 x 21.50 cm|broché
First edition.
Work illustrated with illustrations.
Handsome copy despite the missing slipcase and some inevitable lacks to the plastic film covering the boards.
Autograph inscription signed by Francis Ponge to Max-Philippe Delatte.
€230
Georges BERNANOS
Dialogues d'ombres suivies de Premiers essais romanesques
Plon|Paris 1955|12 x 19 cm|broché
First edition, one of 790 numbered copies on alfa paper.
Fine copy.
€40
Edouard CHIMOT, Henry de MONTHERLANT
Histoire d'Amour de la Rose de Sable
Deux-Rives|Paris 1951|17.50 x 22.50 cm|en feuilles sous chemise et étui
Complete first edition illustrated with 26 original lithographs by Edouard Chimot, one of 900 numbered copies on B.F.K. de Rives laid paper.
Spine of the chemise slightly faded.
Handsome copy.
€100
Maxime GORKI
Souvenirs de ma Vie littéraire[Memories of My Literary Life]
Simon Kra|Paris 1923|13.50 x 18 cm|relié
First edition of the French translation, one of 5 numbered copies on Japan paper, deluxe issue.
Frontispiece photographic portrait of the author.
Full chocolate-brown morocco binding, spine with five raised bands framed by blind fillets, date gilt at foot, gilt rolls on the caps, gilt-stamped allegorical figure as ex-libris on the covers, double gilt fillets along the edges, marbled paper endpapers and doublures, gilt sextuple fillet border on the doublures, original wrappers and spine preserved, top edge gilt, an immaculate contemporary binding signed Canape.
Spine very slightly faded, without significance.
A fine and rare copy, entirely uncut, handsomely bound in full...
€1,200
Maurice BARDÈCHE
Lettre à François Mauriac
Editions du Triolet|Paris 1947|19 x 24 cm|broché
Deluxe edition, one of 1000 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only issue after 50 on vélin crèvecoeur.
Handsome copy decorated with initials, head- and tailpieces.
€60
ANONYME
Lettres sur l'Etat actuel de la Ville souterraine d'Hercule'e et sur les Causes de son Ensevelissement sous les Ruines du Vésuve
Editions du raisin|Dijon 1927|19 x 26 cm|broché
New edition printed in 100 numbered copies on Japan paper and consisting of the 1750 reprint.
Text by Charles de Brosses.
Work illustrated with 4 plates hors-texte.
Some light foxing, a bibliophile's label pasted at foot of endpaper as bookplate.
Handsome copy.
€100
Henri de KERILLIS, Raymond CARTIER
Faisons le point...
Grasset|Paris 1931|12 x 19 cm|broché
First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Spine slightly browned and rubbed at foot.
Autograph inscription signed by Henri de Kerillis to Alfred Fabre-Luce enriched with the signature of Raymond Cartier.
€50
ABBE PIERRE [Henri Groues]
Mémoires d'un croyant
Fayard|Paris 1997|13.50 x 21.50 cm|broché
The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Iconography, retaining publisher's wraparound band.
Some foxing affecting mainly the endpapers, less pronounced foxing on the half-title page which bears the inscription.
Rare autograph inscription signed by Abbé Pierre to a man named Alain.
€500
Jean GALTIER-BOISSIÈRE
Mon Journal depuis la Libération
La Jeune Parque|Paris 1945|12 x 19 cm|broché
First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Minor worming to spine and boards without consequence.
Signed autograph inscription from Jean Galtier-Boissière to Alfred Fabre-Luce.
€80
Jean GALTIER-BOISSIÈRE
Mon Journal pendant la grande Pagaïe
La Jeune Parque|Paris 1950|12 x 19 cm|broché
First edition on ordinary paper.
Some foxing affecting mainly the spine and front cover.
Signed autograph inscription from Jean Galtier-Boissière to Alfred Fabre-Luce.
€80
Jules ROMAINS
Souvenirs et Confidences d'un Ecrivain
Arthème Fayard|Paris 1958|11.50 x 18.50 cm|broché
First edition, with printed press service stamp at head of one endpaper.
Two small stains to margin of front cover, otherwise handsome copy complete with publisher's slip.
Precious autograph inscription from Jules Romains to his fellow Immortal of the Académie Française, General Weygand.
€100
Prince de FAUCIGNY-LUCINGE
Dans l'Ombre de l'Histoire
André Bonne|Paris 1951|14.50 x 23 cm|relié
First edition published by André Castelot of these memoirs of the grandson of the Duke of Berry, one of 300 numbered copies on vellum, the only deluxe copies.
Half red shagreen binding with corners, spine lightened with five raised bands set with blind fillets, marbled paper boards, endpapers and pastedowns, covers and spine preserved, top edge gilt.

€80
Jean CASSOU
Souvenirs de la Terre
Corrêa|Paris 1933|12 x 19 cm|broché
First edition printed on ordinary paper.
Autograph inscription signed by Jean Cassou to Jacques Henri Jouheaud: "... ce vieux livre que sa jeune amitié a rajeuni, de tout coeur..." ["... this old book that his young friendship has rejuvenated, wholeheartedly..."]
€40
Georges DIDI-HUBERMAN
Devant l'Image. Question posée aux Fins d'une Histoire de l'Art
Les Editions de Minuit|Paris 1990|13.50 x 22 cm|broché
The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Handsome copy.
Moving autograph inscription signed by Georges Didi-Huberman to a close couple of friends: "Pour mes Hubermont's chéris - avec toute ma tendresse. Georges" ["For my dear Hubermont's - with all my tenderness. Georges"].
€100
Louis-Ferdinand CÉLINE
Lettres de Prison à Lucette Destouches et Maître Mikkelsen 1945-1947
Gallimard|Paris 1998|16.50 x 21.50 cm|broché
First edition on ordinary paper.
Light foxing to edges of no significance.
Handsome copy.
€50
Louis-Ferdinand CÉLINE
Lettres à la N.R.F. 1931-1961
Gallimard|Paris 2009|16.50 x 21.50 cm|broché
New edition.
Slight foxing to edges of no significance, otherwise a handsome copy.
€40
Jean de LA VARENDE
Six Lettres à un jeune Prince
La Palatine|Paris • & Genève [Geneva] 1955|13 x 19.50 cm|broché
First edition, one of 65 numbered copies on Madagascar paper, deluxe copy.
Fine copy.
Dated and signed autograph inscription from Jean de La Varende to Louis Charlot: "Pour maître Charlot, ces souvenirs, ces regrets, ces remords..." ["For master Charlot, these memories, these regrets, these remorse..."]
Our copy is enhanced with an original lightened photograph representing the painted portrait of the Commandeur de Galart above a chest of drawers, Jean de La Varende having inscribed on the back: "Le fantôme du Commandeur de Galart, portrait de 1779. LV" ["The ghost of Commandeur de Galart, portrait from 1779. LV"].
€400
Jacques DUCLOS
Mémoires[Memoirs]
Arthème Fayard|Paris 1968-1972|13 x 19.50 cm|6 volumes reliés en 7
First edition for each of the volumes: one of 100 numbered copies on alfa paper for volumes I, II and III and III bis, one of 50 numbered copies on alfa paper for volumes IV & V, the last and sixth volume printed in 70 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only deluxe copies.
Bound in half red shagreen with corners, spines with five raised bands set with blind fillets, marbled paper boards, endpapers and pastedowns, covers and spines preserved, top edges gilt, retaining deckled edges.
Spines slightly faded.
Handsome copy attractively bound and complete in 7 volumes (the third volume comprising two volumes).

€600
Jacques CASANOVA
Mémoires - Complet en trois volumes
Gallimard • , Bibliothèque de La Pléiade|Paris 1958-1960|10.50 x 17.50 cm|3 volumes en reliures de l'éditeur sous étuis souples et cartonnés
Bibliothèque de La Pléiade edition printed on Bible paper.
Publisher's full grained blue sheep bindings, blue tops, smooth spines decorated with gilt fillets.
A small tear to the cellophane at the head of the spine of the first volume.
Handsome set complete with cellophane covers, dust jackets (except for the second volume) and slipcases.
€150
Marthe Lucie Lahovary, princesse de BIBESCO
Croisade pour l'Anémone (Lettres de Terre sainte)
Plon|Paris 1931|12 x 19 cm|broché
First edition on ordinary paper.
Fine autograph inscription signed by Princess Bibesco: "A mon ami Alfred Fabre-Luce avec un sixième lettre imaginaire, en souvenir d'une anémone de mer, cueillie à Biarritz" ["To my friend Alfred Fabre-Luce with a sixth imaginary letter, in memory of a sea anemone, picked at Biarritz"].
€100
Jean-Paul SARTRE
Explication de l'Etranger[Explanation of The Stranger]
Aux dépens du Palimugre|Sceaux s. d. [1946]|12 x 14.50 cm|broché
The first hors commerce edition, published in a small number of copies, ours one of 30 copies on Japan paper justified by the publisher, deluxe copy.
Endpapers very lightly and partially shadowed without consequence.
Rare and handsome copy.
€2,000
Frédéric SOULIÉ
La lanterne magique. Histoire de Napoléon
Alphonse Henriot|Paris 1838|14 x 22.20 cm|relié
First illustrated edition with 50 vignettes by Charles Jacque. Chronological table at end.
Half red straight-grained morocco binding, late 19th or early 20th century. Raised-band spine decorated with 4 fleurons and roll-tooling on bands and headcaps. Top edge gilt. Original wrappers preserved. Front wrapper with restorations. Uncut throughout, full-margined, of superb freshness.
Very handsome copy. Rare in this condition.
Popular and entertaining history of Napoleon. In narrative form, the narrator tells how as a child, he witnessed the arrival of two soldiers who, by means of a magic lantern, recounted Napoleon's story to him. The vignettes thus correspond to the magic...
€400
NADAR [Félix TOURNACHON]
Histoires buissonnières
Georges Decaux|Paris s. d. [1877]|11.50 x 18.50 cm|relié
First edition.
Contemporary half bottle-green shagreen binding, spine with five raised bands set with gilt fleurons, some minor rubbing to spine without gravity, marbled paper boards, endpapers and pastedowns of pebbled paper, contemporary binding.
Some minor foxing without gravity, a pencil library shelf mark on one endpaper.
Autograph inscription dated and signed by Nadar: "A M. Bertrand de main amie. Nadar. Nov".
€350
Louis-Ferdinand CÉLINE
Textes et documents, 3
Bibliothèque de l'Université Paris 7|Paris 1984|18.50 x 24 cm|broché
First edition printed in 400 numbered copies.
Handsome copy.
€120
Jacques MARITAIN
Quatre Essais sur l'Esprit dans sa condition charnelle
Desclée Debrouwer & Cie|Paris 1939|14 x 20.50 cm|broché
First edition, one of 10 numbered copies on Holland paper, deluxe copy.
Adhesive paper stains at head and foot of endpapers, otherwise a handsome full-margined copy.
€100
Charles DE GAULLE
Mémoires de guerre
Plon|Paris 1954, 1956, 1959|14.50 x 23 cm|3 volumes brochés
First edition, one of 1550 numbered copies on roto blanc Aussèdat paper printed under sky blue covers.
Spine of the third volume and boards marginally sunned, a small tear at the foot of the spine of the first volume, otherwise a handsome set.
Our copy is enhanced with a visiting card by Charles De Gaulle mounted on a stub in the first volume on which he added these words: "Merci, bien sincèrement de la sympathie que vous m'avez témoignée. C.G." ["Thank you, very sincerely for the sympathy you have shown me. C.G."].
Also mounted on a stub below the card, we include the envelope stamped by the Presidency of the Republic and addressed to Claude Morgan, recipient of the...
€2,500
Robert de MONTESQUIOU
Le mort remontant
Emile-Paul frères|Paris 1922|14 x 19 cm|broché
First edition, one of 20 numbered copies on Holland paper, deluxe copy.
Small worming to the covers, endpapers and some leaves.
€600
Mouloud FERAOUN
Journal 1955-1962
Seuil|Paris 1962|14.50 x 21.50 cm|broché
First edition, one of 55 numbered copies on vélin neige, the only deluxe copies.
Rare and very fine copy of this work published in the same year as the author's assassination by the O.A.S.

€600
Jacques PRÉVERT
Spectacle[Spectacle]
Gallimard|Paris 1951|14 x 18 cm|broché
First edition on ordinary paper.
A pleasant copy given the poor quality of this fragile paper.
Inscribed, dated and signed by Jacques Prévert to a friend named Nadine, enriched with a small black ink drawing depicting two clowns seated at either end of the word “Spectacle,” tossing juggling balls to each other.
€800
Vincent VAN GOGH
Lettres à sa mère
Falaize|Paris 1952|11.50 x 17 cm|broché
First edition of the French translation, one of 50 numbered copies on Madagascar paper, deluxe issue.
A handsome copy.
€300
Claude FARRÈRE
Quatorze Histoires de Soldats
Flammarion|Paris 1916|12.50 x 19 cm|relié
First edition, one of 44 numbered copies on Japan paper, deluxe edition.
Half red morocco binding with corners, smooth spine decorated with gilt triple cartouches ending in interlaced patterns enhanced with green mosaicked morocco pieces, gilt date at foot, gilt fillet frame on marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, top edge gilt, covers and spine preserved, elegant contemporary binding signed Charles Lanoë.
Some light rubbing to one joint and to upper corners.
Handsome copy elegantly bound.

€400
Hervé BOURGES
De mémoire d'éléphant
Grasset|Paris 2000|15.50 x 24 cm|broché
First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Handsome copy despite a small fold at the head of the first cover.
Precious autograph inscription dated and signed by Hervé Bourges to Gisèle Halimi: "Pour Gisèle Halimi, ces années de braise et années "lumière" dont certaines partagées, contées, en témoignage de grande estime, en très fidèle amitié." ["For Gisèle Halimi, these years of embers and years of "light" some of which shared, recounted, in testimony of great esteem, in very faithful friendship."]
Provenance: from the library of Gisèle Halimi.
€80
Ernest RENAN
Souvenirs d'enfance et de jeunesse
Calmann Lévy|Paris 1883|14 x 23 cm|relié
First edition.
Half brown morocco binding, spine with five raised bands showing light rubbing, marbled boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns.
Some foxing.
Our copy contains an autograph letter dated and signed by Ernest Renan addressed to a friend who has just lost his mother and whom he attempts to comfort.
€350
Jérôme MESNAGER
Ma vie en blanc
Le voyageur éditions|Boulogne-Billancourt 2010|15 x 21 cm|broché
The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Signed and inscribed by Jérome Mesnager to a friend named Jean-Pascal, with an original drawing depicting the famous skeleton silhouette with arms stretched toward the sky that has conquered urban landscapes.
€300
Serge ESSENINE
Confession d'un voyou
J. Povolozky & Cie|Paris 1923|14 x 21 cm|broché
Second edition of the French translation, one of 1000 copies on vélin alfa, the only issue with 3 China and 20 Arches.
Preface and translation by Franz Hellens and Marie Miloslawsky.
Some minor foxing at beginning of volume.
€80
Louis-Ferdinand CÉLINE
Tout Céline 2
Bibliothèque de l'Université Paris 7|Paris 1983|18.50 x 23.50 cm|broché
First edition printed in a numbered edition of 500 copies.
Handsome copy.
€80
ARLETTY
La défense
La Table Ronde|Paris 1971|15 x 21.50 cm|broché
The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
A handsome copy despite a small discolored band in the margin of the second cover.
Signed autograph inscription from Arletty to a couple of friends: "A Monsieur et Madame Goumy en souvenir de Belle-Isle, Arletty" ["To Mr. and Mrs. Goumy in memory of Belle-Isle, Arletty"]

€250
Jean PRÉVOST
Histoire de France depuis la guerre
Editions Rieder|Paris 1932|14 x 21 cm|broché
First edition, one of 60 numbered copies on Rives laid paper, the deluxe issue after 10 copies on Japan paper.
Occasional light worming to some deckled edges.
A handsome full-margined copy.
Autograph inscription signed by Jean Prévost to M(arcel) Schneider.
€230
Raoul HAUSMANN, Théodore KOENIG
72 lettres de Raoul Hausmann 1956-1968
Laser Edition|Vérone [Verona] 1990|21 x 29 cm|broché
First edition. Artisanal production supposedly limited to 300 numbered copies, ours unnumbered.
Photocopied from Théodore Koenig's personal computer, under color offset covers.
Precious and unique collection of all the letters addressed to his friend Théodore Koenig by the famous photographer and Dadaist visual artist, nicknamed Der Dadasophe.
A handsome and rare copy.
€200
Художника КАЗИМИРА МАЛЕВИЧА [Kazimir MALEVITCH]
От сезанна до супрематизма. критический очерк.[From Cézanne to Suprematism: A Critical Essay]
Izdanie Otdela Izobrazitel'nikh Iskysstv [Published by the Department of Fine Arts of Narkompros] • [ Commissariat du peuple à l'Éducation]|s. l. • [Petrograd] [Saint Petersburg] s. d. [1920]|17.50 x 11.50 cm|agrafé, 16p.
Ot Sezanna do Suprematizma Kriticheskii otcherk
[From Cézanne to Suprematism. A critical essay]
Izdanie Otdela Izobrazitel'nikh Iskysstv
[Publishing house of the department of visual arts]
| Narkompros [people's commissariat for education] | [Petrograd 1920] | 17.5 x 11.5 cm | stapled

Extremely rare first edition.
Small split at the foot of the spine, purple stamp with the price on the second board and a small mark on the first board of the stamp of another copy.
A very beautiful copy.
Published two years after his masterpiece White on White, this manifesto composed from his previous theoretical...
€3,000
Georges DUMÉZIL
Apollon sonore et autres essais, esquisse de mythologie
Gallimard|Paris 1982|14 x 22.50 cm|broché
The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Two small stains at head of first endpaper and on verso of front board facing it, slight tear without loss at foot of title page.
Autograph inscription signed by Georges Dumézil to René Etiemble.
€150
Jacques HIGELIN (inscribed to Régine DEFORGES)
Lettres d'amour d'un soldat de vingt ans
Grasset|Paris 1987|14 x 20.50 cm|broché
First edition, no deluxe paper copies were issued.
With a precious signed autograph inscription by Jacques Higelin to Régine Deforges : “To my lady Régine Deforges, the tender greeting of my twenty springs, which I lay today at the doorstep of your heart's secret garden.”
Provenance: the library of Régine Deforges.
A handsome copy.
€800
Maurice BARDÈCHE
Nuremberg ou la terre promise
Les sept couleurs|Paris 1948|16 x 21 cm|broché
First edition, one of 110 numbered copies on pure thread Lafuma vellum.
Handsome full-margined copy despite the endpapers being partially shaded.
Precious and beautiful full-page autograph inscription dated June 18, 1984 and signed by Maurice Bardèche, to Régine Deforges: "Chère Régine Deforges, voici une horrible témoignage sur ma noirceur d'âme que je vous adresse en tremblant dans l'espoir insensé que vous le lirez avec indulgence en raison de mon affection et de mon admiration pour vous. François Mauriac a écrit à propos de ce livre que j'étais un fou égaré par la douleur qui criait "Heil Hilter" sur la place de la Concorde. Je trouve aujourd'hui ce grognement de 200...
€750
Henri BÉRAUD
Qu'as-tu fait de ta jeunesse?
Les Editions de France|Paris 1941|13 x 19 cm|broché
First edition, one of 50 numbered copies on laid paper, deluxe copy.
Spine and boards slightly faded without consequence, otherwise a handsome copy.
€800
Henri BÉRAUD
Les derniers beaux jours
Plon|Paris 1953|14 x 19.50 cm|broché
First edition, one of 35 numbered copies on Holland paper, deluxe copy.
A handsome and rare full-margined copy.
€800
Jules LAFORGUE, Émile LAFORGUE
Moralités légendaires
Librairie de la Revue Indépendante|Paris 1887|13.50 x 19 cm|broché
First edition, one of 400 numbered copies on machine-made vellum, the only printing along with 20 copies on grand vellum.
With a frontispiece portrait of the author etched by Emile Laforgue.
Minor stains of no consequence to the front cover.
Rare.
€800
Julien GREEN
Le bel aujourd'hui. Journal (1955-1958)
Plon|Paris 1958|12 x 19 cm|broché
First edition, one of the Service de Presse (advance) copies.
Pleasant copy complete with publisher's (advertising) slip.
Signed autograph inscription from Julien Green to Remi Lalon.

€70
Paul CLAUDEL
Du côté de chez Ramuz
Ides & Calendes|Neuchâtel 1947|11.50 x 17.50 cm|broché
First edition, one of 36 numbered copies on China paper, deluxe copies.
Very handsome copy
€500
Elsa TRIOLET
Les manigances, journal d'une égoïste
Gallimard|Paris 1962|11.50 x 18 cm|broché
First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
A handsome copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Elsa Triolet: "A Maurice Druon, le secret de la conversation avec soi-même. Elsa." ["To Maurice Druon, the secret of conversation with oneself. Elsa."]
Provenance: from the library of academician Maurice Druon.
€300
Georges PETITFAUX
Lettre bavarde au Sme Provéditeur-Editeur adjoint sur certaines incertitudes touchant l'histoire, la rhétorique, la typographie, Bonaparte & autres domaines voués aux Muses
Collège de Pataphysique|Paris 1993|9.50 x 14.50 cm|agrafé
First edition, one of 399 numbered copies on sandy paper.
Copy slightly cockled due to clear dampstain at foot of leaves.
€20
Henri CALET, Raymond GUÉRIN
Correspondance
Le dilettante|Paris 2005|14 x 21 cm|broché
First edition, one of 33 numbered copies on handmade paper, the only deluxe copies.
A handsome copy.
€200
Claude FARRÈRE
Dix-sept histoires de marins[Seventeen Sailors’ Stories]
Paul Ollendorff|Paris 1914|11.50 x 19 cm|relié
First edition, one of 26 numbered copies on Japan paper, deluxe issue after 25 on China paper.
Half green morocco with corners, smooth spine decorated with two turquoise mosaic morocco cartouches adorned with a scattering of gilt stars as well as gilt ink pot, life buoy and sailor's beret, gilt fillet frame on marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, covers and spine preserved, top edge gilt, elegant contemporary binding signed Affolter.
Spine and boards marginally lightened.
A handsome, perfectly established copy.
Provenance: from the library of the Duke of Massa with his engraved bookplate mounted on an endpaper.
€800
Jean GRADASSI, Cardinal DUBOIS [Guillaume DUBOIS]
Mémoires du Cardinal Dubois
Edmond Vairel|Paris 1949|19 x 26 cm|4 volumes en feuilles sous chemises et étuis
Illustrated edition with 254 original color compositions by Jean Gradassi, one of 800 numbered copies on Lana paper, ours being one of the few hors commerce copies reserved for collaborators and presentation purposes.
Some angular splits to the slipcases, one strip of the second volume's slipcase detached.
Handsome set.
Autograph inscription dated and signed by Jean Gradassi to René Garrin below the print statement in the first volume.
€400
Père FELINE
Catéchisme des gens mariés
J. Lemonnyer|Rouen 1880|12 x 20 cm|relié
First reprint printed in 400 copies, ours one of 50 numbered copies on Whatman, deluxe copies after 10 copies on colored papers.
Half red morocco binding with corners, spine with five raised bands very slightly faded, gilt date at foot, marbled paper boards, endpapers and pastedowns of combed paper, covers with some worming preserved, top edge gilt.
Handsome copy attractively bound.
€250
André MAUROIS
Un essai sur Dickens
Grasset|Paris 1927|17.50 x 23 cm|relié
First edition, one of 13 numbered copies specially printed on Imperial Japan paper for the Librairie des Champs-Elysées.
Bound in half black shagreen with bands, spine with four raised bands set with sand-colored mosaic shagreen band, minor scratches to headcaps, almond green wood-effect paper boards framed with two almond green mosaic shagreen bands, almond green wood-effect paper endpapers and pastedowns, original covers and spine preserved, top edge gilt, corners slightly bumped, contemporary Art Deco binding.
Handsome copy attractively bound in a lovely contemporary Art Deco binding.
€120
Robert de MONTESQUIOU, Gabriele D'ANNUNZIO
La divine comtesse. Etude d'après madame de Castiglione[The Divine Countess. A Study Based on Madame de Castiglione]
Goupil & Cie|Paris 1913|19.50 x 28 cm|relié sous étui
First edition, one of the few numbered copies on Japan, the “tirage de tête”.
Binding in full dark midnight blue morocco, spine in four compartments with discreet recolouring, chocolate brown iridescent endpapers, frame of five gilt fillets and gilt fleurons in the corners of the paste-down endpapers, all edges gilt, preserved illustrated covers, slipcase lined with blue morocco, marbled paper boards, light blue baize interior, superb contemporary binding signed Meunier.
Preface by Gabriele D'Annunzio.
Work decorated with 54 monochrome and colour illustrations.
A very beautiful copy perfectly set in full morocco by Meunier.
€2,000
HANSI
L'histoire d'Alsace racontée aux petits enfants par l'Oncle Hansi
Henri Floury|Paris 1913|28 x 35.50 cm|reliure de l'éditeur
First edition illustrated with color images by Hansi and Huen.
Publisher's full sky blue paper boards binding, smooth spine, illustrated covers, endpapers and pastedowns of decorative patterned paper.
Small spots of discoloration on covers, occasional foxing, last inner hinge split at head and foot.
Handsome copy of this work published for the little children of Alsace and France.
€300
Charles MAURRAS
L'étang de Berre[The Berre Lagoon]
Edouard Champion|Paris 1915|14.50 x 23 cm|relié
First edition, one of 30 numbered copies on Japan paper, deluxe issue after 20 on China paper.
Half grey-blue morocco binding with bands, smooth spine decorated with a gilt cicada, marbled paper boards, moiré endpapers and pastedowns, covers and spine preserved, top edge gilt, contemporary binding signed Kieffer.
Pleasant copy perfectly executed.
€750
André LANG
Pierre Brisson. Le journaliste, l'écrivain, l'homme
Calmann Lévy|Paris 1967|15 x 22.50 cm|broché
First edition printed in 1050 numbered copies on white vellum.
Iconography, handsome copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by André Lang to Roland Dorgelès.
€80
Charles CHASSÉ
Styles et physiologie. Petite histoire naturelle des écrivains
Albin Michel|Paris 1928|15 x 22.50 cm|broché
The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Signed autograph inscription from Charles Chassé to Monsieur Mornet.
€40
Roland BARTHES
Essais critiques
Seuil|Paris 1964|14 x 20.50 cm|broché
The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Handsome copy.
Signed and inscribed by Roland Barthes to Hubert Juin.
€380
Herman MELVILLE
Moi et ma cheminée[Myself and My Chimney]
Falaize|Paris 1951|11.50 x 17 cm|broché
First edition in French, one of 25 numbered copies on Madagascar vellum, deluxe copy.
A small stain and a tiny snag of no consequence to the spine
Handsome copy.
€350
Marcel SCHWOB
Spicilèges
Au sans pareil|Paris 1920|19.50 x 28.50 cm|broché
New edition, one of 30 numbered copies on Japan paper, ours one of the 8 unnumbered hors commerce copies, deluxe issue.
Some foxing, a small mark at the foot of the first endpaper.
€120
Louis-Ferdinand CÉLINE, Robert DENOËL
Apologie de Mort à crédit suivie de "Hommage à Emile Zola" par Louis-Ferdinand Céline
Denoël & Steele|Paris 1936|13.50 x 20.50 cm|agrafé
First edition.

A light dampstain to margins of covers having also affected all leaves at their feet, three minute corner lacks to covers.

Rare but in this condition.

€600
Antonin ARTAUD
A la grande nuit ou le bluff surréaliste[To the Great Night or the Surrealist Bluff]
Chez l'auteur|Paris 1927|12.50 x 16.50 cm|agrafé
First edition, printed in a small number of copies, consisting of Antonin Artaud's response to his expulsion from the Surrealist movement by André Breton.
A small tear at the foot of the spine.

€600
ALAIN
Lettres à Sergio Solmi sur la philosophie de Kant
Paul Hartmann|Paris 1946|12.50 x 19 cm|broché
First edition, one of 20 numbered copies on laid paper, deluxe copy.
Handsome copy.
€150
STENDHAL
Journal (tome 5 seul)
Librairie Ancienne Honoré Champion|Paris 1934|14.50 x 22.50 cm|broché
Edition established and annotated by Henry Debraye and Louis Royer, illustrated with 2 plates and printed in 1235 copies, ours one of 25 numbered copies on Japan paper after 10 on China paper.
Handsome copy.
€200
Charles ASSELINEAU, Édouard MANET
Charles Baudelaire - Sa vie et son oeuvre[Charles Baudelaire - His Life and His Work]
Alphonse Lemerre|Paris 1869|12 x 18.50 cm|relié
Charles Baudelaire. Sa vie et son œuvre
Alphonse Lemerre | Paris 1869 | 12 x 18.5 cm | half morocco

First edition on thick paper, of the first biography devoted to Charles Baudelaire, who had died two years prior.
Half navy morocco over marbled paper boards Bradel binding by Alfred Farez, the spine slightly faded, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, covers and spine preserved.
This copy complete with the 5 etching portraits of Charles Baudelaire by Edouard Manet, Gustave Courbet, Emile Deroy and Charles Baudelaire himself. Edouard Manet engraved the two of his, Félix Bracquemond the three others.

Autograph inscription signed by Charles...
€1,800
Astolphe de CUSTINE
Mémoires et voyages, ou diverses lettres écrites à diverses époques pendant des courses en Suisse, en Calabre, en Angleterre, et en Ecosse
Alexandre Vezard • Le Normant père|Paris 1830|13.50 x 22 cm|2 volumes brochés
First edition very scarce according to Clouzot.
Nice copy in its original wrappers.
Second volume with coated ex-libris "Fortis and Fidelis" engraved by Desnoyers.
Rare signed handwritten inscription by Astolphe de Custine on top of first volume to the Duchesse de Blains.
€5,000
Edmond & Jules de GONCOURT
Histoire de la société française pendant le Directoire
E. Dentu|Paris 1855|15.50 x 23.50 cm|relié
First edition.
Some minor foxing, bibliophile's printed stamp serving as bookplate at head of title page.
Contemporary half bottle-green sheep binding, smooth spine decorated with blind-stamped fleurons and gilt fillets, slight scratches to spine, marbled paper boards, speckled edges.
€80
Michel DÉON
Mes arches de Noé [My Noah’s Arks]
La Table Ronde|Paris 1978|14.50 x 22 cm|broché
First edition, one of the 25 numbered copies on vergé de Holland paper, the "tirage de tête" (first deluxe copies).
Very nice copy.
€1,200
Roger NIMIER
Journées de lecture II
Gallimard|Paris 1965|14.50 x 21.50 cm|broché
First edition, one of the 58 numbered copies on vélin d'Arches paper, the only deluxe copies ("grands papiers").
Nice copy.
€900
Michel TOURNIER, Lewis CARROLL
Des clefs et des serrures[Keys and Locks]
Chêne • Hachette|Paris 1979|15 x 21.50 cm|Photograph|broché
First edition, one of 50 numbered copies on Arches wove paper, the only large paper issue.
Work illustrated with photographs by Edouard Boubat, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Doisneau, Jacques-Henri Lartigue, Leni Riefenstahl, Lucien Clergue, Lewis Carroll, Phelps, Esaias Baitel...
A very handsome copy, enriched with an original photograph of Michel Tournier mounted opposite the half-title.
Autograph signature of Michel Tournier on the half-title.
€800
Marguerite YOURCENAR
Quoi ? L'éternité
Gallimard|Paris 1988|14.50 x 21.50 cm|broché
First edition, one of the 80 numbered copies on Holland paper, the "tirage de tête" (first deluxe copies).
Very nice copy.
€2,000
Charles MAURRAS
Maîtres et témoins de ma vie d'esprit. Barrès, Mistral, France, Verlaine, Moréas
Gallimard|Paris 1954|12 x 19 cm|relié
First edition, one of 55 numbered copies on pure Arches laid paper, deluxe copy.
Half navy blue morocco binding with corners, spine with four raised bands, gilt date at foot, marbled paper boards, endpapers and pastedowns, gilt fillets framing the boards, covers and spine preserved, top edge gilt, contemporary binding signed Bellevallée.
Very handsome copy in perfect condition.
€680
Jean d' ORMESSON
Une autre histoire de la littérature française II
Nil éditions|Paris 1998|14 x 22.50 cm|broché
First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Handsome copy despite the spine being very slightly sunned.
Affectionate autograph inscription signed by Jean d'Ormesson to Denise Abeloos.
€120
Richard WAGNER, Julien TIERSOT
Lettres françaises de Richard Wagner[French Letters by Richard Wagner]
Grasset|Paris 1935|13.50 x 21 cm|broché
First edition, one of 15 numbered copies on pure wove vellum, the only copies printed on deluxe paper.
Frontispiece with a reproduction of a portrait of the composer.
Endpapers lightly toned, two offsets on the colophon and its facing page caused by the justification ribbon.
A handsome and rare copy of this collection of letters presented by Julien Tiersot.
€800
(Louis-Ferdinand CELINE) Pierre MONNIER
Ferdinand Furieux. Avec 313 lettres inédites de Louis-Ferdinand Céline
L'âge d'homme|Lausanne 1979|15.50 x 22.50 cm|broché
First edition, one of 50 numbered copies on pur fil paper, the only deluxe copies.
Photographic cover.
Very handsome copy despite a small tear at the foot of the back cover.
Rare.
€1,200
Marcel PAGNOL
Le masque de fer
Editions de Provence|Paris 1965|12 x 19 cm|broché
First edition, one of 100 copies on Dame Blanche wove paper, deluxe issue.
A fine copy.
€1,200
Louise COLET
Lettres de Benjamin Constant à Madame Récamier
E. Dentu|Paris 1864 (S.d)|14.50 x 23.20 cm|relié
The rare first edition. A manuscript note bound at the beginning of the work states: First edition suppressed by court order, it contains 74 unpublished letters. One can read on a manuscript leaf bound before the title: "Edition seized and destroyed when it was about to be put on sale at the request of Benjamin Constant's sister and the niece and universal legatee of Madame Récamier, Madame Charles Lenormant. Is not in the Bibliothèque Nationale." A second manuscript leaf on Louis Colet has also been bound following the first.
Modern half morocco binding with tan corners signed Alix at the bottom of the pastedown. Jansenist spine with raised bands. Gilt title. Gilt edges. Covers and...
€600
Jean PINASSEAU
Lettres et documents inédits pour servir à une biographie de A. Fabre d'Olivet
S. n.|Paris 1931|16 x 24.50 cm|agrafé
The first edition, published in a small number of copies of the bulletin of the History of Protestantism.
Handsome copy despite spine and covers marginally discolored.
€40