Signed Books, Presentation Copies

First edition on ordinary paper.
Handsome autograph inscription from Maurice Bouchor to José Maria de Heredia.
A little light spotting principally to covers.

First edition published in a small number of copies, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Half hazelnut shagreen binding with corners, spine with four raised bands decorated with gilt cartouche and friezes, some traces of rubbing to spine and edges, original wrappers preserved, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, corners slightly bumped, top edge gilt.
Fine autograph inscription signed by Francis Carco to Joseph Périer.
Very rare copy of the author's first work.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Signed autograph inscription from Roland Barthes to journalist and historian Antoine Casanova.
Spine lightly sunned, light dampstain to top edge, pale stain to head of front cover.

First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Autograph inscription signed by René Crevel to the Swedish writer and diplomat Kjelle R.S. Stromberg.
Two discreet marginal restorations at head and foot of one joint.

First Edition printed 200 copies numbered on white vellum.
Publisher's binding in full ivory cardboard vellum, back with four nerves set with black threads, framing of double black nets on the boards.
Rare autograph dedication signed by Henry Monnier to a friend.
Beautiful copy established in its binding of the publisher.

First edition on ordinary paper.
Bradel binding in full brown cloth, smooth spine very lightly browned decorated with a gilt floral motif, double gilt fillets and gilt date at foot, black shagreen title-label, original wrappers preserved with small marginal restorations, one upper corner slightly bumped, contemporary binding.
The final endpaper is marginally creased.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Anatole France to his friend Marcel Schwob.

First edition on ordinary paper.
Bradel binding in half boards with vellum-style corners, smooth spine decorated with gilt friezes at head and foot, black shagreen title-label with slight scratches, spine and boards partially soiled, marbled paper boards, original wrappers preserved, contemporary binding.
Signed autograph inscription from Francis Carco to Charles Genty.
Work illustrated with drawings hors-texte by H. de Toulouse-Lautrec, H. Daumier, Gavarni, Capiello, A. Willette...

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Bradel binding in half sand-colored cloth, smooth spine decorated with gilt floral motif, double gilt fillet at foot, black sheep title-label with some scratches, small spots on spine, marbled paper boards, original wrappers preserved (tiny lack at foot of first cover, lacks at foot of second cover).
Rare and precious signed autograph inscription to Victor Hugo "... with the affectionate respects of the author..."
Eugène Spuller, close friend and collaborator of Léon Gambetta, owed his political rise to Victor Hugo when Hugo chose him "to be his substitute in the senatorial elections of the Seine". (Eugène Spuller (1835-1896): itinéraire d'un républicain par Nathalie Bayon). Deputy of the Seine, a year later, he had a brilliant political career alongside Léon Gambetta and was appointed minister three times during the Third Republic. Victor Hugo mentions him several times in Choses vues.
One manuscript correction by the author on page 96.
Some occasional light foxing.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Dated and signed autograph inscription by the author.
Fine copy complete with publisher's slip, with press clippings laid in.

First edition, one of 500 numbered copies on laid paper, ours unnumbered, the only issue with 25 Holland copies.
Autograph inscription signed by Jean Lorrain.
Furthermore, our copy contains autograph manuscript corrections by Jean Lorrain on pages 26, 37, 39, 101 and 134. Work illustrated with a frontispiece drawing after Gustave Moreau.
Foxing to endpapers, light foxing to covers, two ink stains on second cover.

First edition, an advance (service de presse) copy
Rare autograph inscription from Raymond Radiguet to Prince Serge Wolkonsky
Two repairs to head and foot of spine, covers and spine marginally sunned, paper yellowed, tiny marginal lacks to first endpaper
This copy, which retains its advertising notice pasted onto an endpaper, is presented in a chemise and slipcase by Devauchelle: olive morocco spine, aniseed-colored paper boards, lined with olive felt
Prince Serge Wolkonsky was the director of the Bolshoi theater and a friend of his compatriot, Diaghilev.

First edition, one of 445 copies on alfa paper, ours one of 60 reserved for press service, the only deluxe copies with 15 on pure thread.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Edouard Dujardin to Léon-Paul Fargue "... who still remembers the 'Fin d'Antonia'! With all my heart."
A small tear reglued at the head of one joint.

First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Signed autograph inscription from the author to Matthieu Galey.
Boards lightly soiled at margins without gravity.

New pocket edition, an advance copy.
Moving and precious signed autograph inscription from Maurice Blanchot to his sister Marguerite: "Pour ma très chère soeur, Marguerite, ce livre, prémisses peut-être de "la fin du livre" avec les tendres excuses de MB." ["For my very dear sister, Marguerite, this book, perhaps the premises of "the end of the book" with tender apologies from MB."]
Marguerite Blanchot, a renowned organist at Chalon cathedral, remained all her life in the family home, with her mother and aunt. "She would gradually become, for the family, like the memory of origins." Very close to Maurice, she corresponded regularly with the writer who showed her great gratitude for her devotion to their invalid mother. While Blanchot's intense affection for his mother and sister shows through in his dedications, we know almost nothing of their relationship. In the only biographical essay on Blanchot, Christophe Bident reveals however: "Marguerite Blanchot revered her brother Maurice. Very proud of him, (...) she attached great importance to his political ideas (...). She read extensively (...) They telephoned each other, corresponded. At a distance, they shared the same natural authority, the same concern for discretion." Blanchot indeed sent her numerous works from his library, maintaining with her a continuous intellectual bond.
A handsome copy.

The first edition published only in paperback format, of which there were no deluxe copies, one of the Service de Presse (advance) copies.
Moving and precious signed autograph inscription from Maurice Blanchot to his sister Marguerite on a card mounted on the first endpaper: "Chère Marg, ce livre qui n'est pas un livre mais qui te dit en ces jours si sombres, ma fidèle, ma profonde affection. Maurice." ["Dear Marg, this book which is not a book but which tells you in these dark days, my faithful one, my deep affection. Maurice."]
Envelope bearing Marguerite Blanchot's address written by her brother Maurice mounted on the half-title page. Marguerite Blanchot, renowned organist at the cathedral of Chalon, remained all her life in the family home, with her mother and aunt. "She gradually became, for the family, like the memory of origins." Very close to Maurice, she corresponded regularly with the writer who showed her great gratitude for her devotion to their invalid mother. While Blanchot's intense affection for his mother and sister shows through in his dedications, we know almost nothing of their relationship. In the only biographical essay on Blanchot, Christophe Bident reveals however: "Marguerite Blanchot venerated her brother Maurice. Very proud of him, (...) she attached great importance to his political ideas (...). She read a great deal (...) They telephoned each other, corresponded. At a distance, they shared the same natural authority, the same concern for discretion." Blanchot indeed sent her numerous works from his library, maintaining with her a continuous intellectual bond. A marginal crease at foot of first cover.
Handsome copy.

The collected edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Signed autograph inscription by the author.
Worming to boards, complete with publisher's wraparound band.

First edition of which no deluxe copies were printed, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Signed autograph inscription from the author to Matthieu Galey.
Foxing to spine, covers and edges

New edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Signed autograph inscription from François Raynal to Maurice Blanchot.
Publisher's Bradel binding in full cream cloth, smooth spine, lacking dust jacket.

First edition printed on ordinary paper.
Bradel binding in half sky blue cloth, smooth spine lightly sunned decorated with a gilt floral motif, double gilt fillet at foot, cherry red shagreen title label, marbled paper boards, corners slightly bumped, contemporary binding.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Octave Mirbeau to Jean Ajalbert on the half-title page.
Our copy is expanded with a four-page autograph letter dated and signed by H.G. Ibels in which he shares with his correspondent his momentary financial troubles, the poor circumstances that led him to this situation and finally the solicitations from wealthy bibliophiles who covet his important collection of 18th-century manuscripts on the Convulsionnaires...
Large marginal discoloration affecting the front cover as well as much more lightly the half-title page without touching the autograph inscription.
Provenance: Jean Ajalbert library with his Japonist ex-libris in the Nabis style wood-engraved in a very small number, signed with a monogram, probably that of Félicien Rops.

First edition on ordinary paper.
Signed autograph inscription by Gérard Mourgue.
Work illustrated with drawings by Wifredo Lam.
Scratches to joints, small tear at foot of front board, handsome interior condition.

First edition on ordinary paper.
Bradel binding in half chocolate cloth, smooth spine decorated with gilt floral motif, double gilt fillet at foot, dark green shagreen title label, marbled paper boards, bookplate pasted on endpaper leaving a shadow opposite, original wrappers preserved, contemporary binding.
Autograph inscription signed by Jean Lorrain to his friend Fernand Le Grand, a prominent figure of Fécamp society, on the half-title page which bears a printed bibliophile stamp and some foxing.
Provenance: from the library of Fernand Le Grand with his bookplate.
Rare.

First collected and bilingual edition.
Signed autograph inscription from K. Hazareesingh to Marcel Haedrich. Our copy is enhanced with a one-page autograph letter from the author to the same recipient on letterhead of the "Ministry of social security, national solidarity and reform institutions Astor courts" at Port-Louis.
Iconography.
Contributions by M. Druon, R. Ramdoyal, R. Tagore, T.S. Eliot...
Minor tears without consequence at head and foot of slightly faded spine, handsome interior condition.

First edition printed in 200 numbered copies, ours bearing No. 1, the only printing.
Autograph inscription signed by Christian Dautcourt on the first endpaper which shows slight light stains at the foot.
Last endpaper partially shaded due to a small press cutting about the work.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Precious autograph inscription signed by the author to Maurice Blanchot.
The inscription has been damaged by a clear dampstain which also affects the front cover.

Definitive edition, one of the Service de Presse (advance) copies.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Pierre Hamp to Maurice Blanchot: "... Bon appétit".
Complete with publisher's (advertising) slip.
A small marginal tear to the middle of the spine, otherwise a handsome copy.

First edition of the French translation, of which no deluxe copies were printed.
Precious signed autograph inscription from the translator to Maurice Blanchot.
A slight angular lack at the foot of the second cover, spine with a clear dampstain at foot.

First edition on ordinary paper.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Marcel Guersant to Maurice Blanchot: "... critique éminent devant lequel l'auteur ne se présente qu'avec crainte et tremblement. / J'ose offrir ce livre, où - dans un silence profond - la grâce se fraye la voie d'une âme" ["... eminent critic before whom the author presents himself only with fear and trembling. / I dare offer this book, where - in profound silence - grace carves the path of a soul"]
Worming to spine and covers, complete with publisher's slip.

First edition, an advance copy.
Signed autograph inscription from Luce Amy to Maurice Blanchot.
Marginal worming to head and front cover, one joint slightly cracked at foot.

First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Autograph inscription signed by Guillaume Wodli to Maurice Blanchot.
Minor marginal tears to spine and covers, light scratches of no consequence at foot of second cover.

First collected edition, an advance (service de presse) copy.
Elegant half green morocco over marbled paper boards by P. Goy & C. Vilaine, spine in six compartments, gilt date at foot, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, covers and spine (sunned) preserved, top edge gilt.
Handsome autograph inscription from Henri Michaux to Maurice Blanchot.
A very good copy in a perfectly suited binding.

First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Denis Marion to Maurice Blanchot: "... ce faux-pas romantique".
Two small stains on the front cover.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Lucienne Favre to Maurice Blanchot.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Gabriel d'Aubarède to Maurice Blanchot.
Two tears to the spine which also has a lack at foot.

First edition on ordinary paper.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Raymond Lacaze to Maurice Blanchot.
Complete with its publisher's wraparound band.

First edition, one of the advance copies.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Edmond Buchet to Maurice Blanchot.
Small tears with minimal lacks to the first cover, joints cracked at head and foot.

First edition on ordinary paper.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Jean Mauclère to Maurice Blanchot.
Joints slightly cracked at head and foot.

First edition, false statement of third edition, Service de Presse stamp.
Precious signed autograph inscription from the author to his friend Maurice Blanchot: "... à qui je ne veux rien dire de ce livre si plein de douleur, mais qui, j'en suis sûr, comprendra" ["... to whom I want to say nothing about this book so full of sorrow, but who, I am sure, will understand"].
From 1933, Blanchot was the principal editor of the newspapers founded by Paul Lévy, "Le Rempart" and "aux Ecoutes", with clearly patriotic, anti-democratic, anti-parliamentary, anti-capitalist orientations while simultaneously focused on denouncing Hitlerism and anti-Jewish persecutions. The friendship between the two men, along with that of Lévinas, would contribute to Blanchot's political reversal as he progressively refused the anti-Semitic drift and fascist radicalization that threatened him. In 1940, he "officially" took over the direction of Paul Lévy's newspaper and in November saved him by warning him of his imminent arrest. Paul Lévy fled to Morocco. It was during this exile that he wrote 'Le chemin de la Mosquée', a novel inspired by his political engagement of the 1920s-30s and questioning their consequences. A painful text that Blanchot could indeed "understand".
Handsome copy.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a service de presse (advance) copy.
Autograph inscription signed by Philippe de Félice to Maurice Blanchot.
A small tear at head of spine which also shows minimal worming.
Complete with publisher's slip.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Francis Jeanson to Maurice Blanchot.
Iconography.
A stain at foot of first cover, otherwise handsome copy.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Jacques Sternberg to Maurice Blanchot.
Complete with publisher's (advertising) slip.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Rai de Roth to Maurice Blanchot.
Iconography.
One stain at foot of front board, otherwise handsome copy.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Robert André to Maurice Blanchot.
Complete with publisher's (advertising) slip. Worming to front board.

First edition, an advance (service de presse) copy.
Handsome autograph inscription from Jean Chatenet to Maurice Blanchot.

First edition, an advance (service de presse) copy.
Handsome autograph inscription from André Billy to Maurice Blanchot.

First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Jacques Chastenet to (Maurice) Blanchot.
Minor worming of no consequence to spine and boards.

First edition in French, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious signed autograph inscription from the translator to Maurice Blanchot.
Handsome copy.

First edition printed on ordinary paper.
Precious full-page signed autograph inscription from the author to Maurice Blanchot: "... qui approfondit chaque jour davantage les mystérieux rapports de la vie et du langage..." ["... who deepens each day the mysterious relationships between life and language..."]
Iconography.
Small tear to head of front cover.

First edition, an advance (service de presse) copy.
Handsome autograph inscription from Jean Husson to Maurice Blanchot.

First edition in French, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by George Meredith to Maurice Blanchot.
Two tears at head and foot of spine, marginal worming to first cover, one angular stain to front endpaper.

First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Small marginal tears without loss to first cover.
Handsome copy complete with publisher's (advertising) slip.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Armand Lanoux to Maurice Blanchot.

First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Madeleine Chapsal to Maurice Blanchot.
A small tear at head of first cover, otherwise handsome copy.

First edition of which there were no large paper copies.
Handsome autograph inscription from Claude Digeon to Maurice Blanchot.

First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Patrick Waldberg to Maurice Blanchot.
Three small stains at head of first cover.

First edition in French, an advance (service de presse) copy.
Handsome and rare autograph inscription from Ernst von Salomon to Maurice Blanchot.
Plats slightly soiled, otherwise a good copy.

First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Robert Kemp to Maurice Blanchot.
First cover as well as pages of first gathering creased at head, otherwise a handsome copy.

First edition, an advance (service de presse) copy.
Handsome autograph inscription from Pierre Daninos to Maurice Blanchot.

First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Etiemble to Maurice Blanchot: "... en vive estime (et jalousie)" ["with deep esteem (and jealousy)"].
A small tear at head of first cover, slight foxing to spine.

First edition printed on ordinary paper.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Pierre Francescat to Maurice Blanchot.
A small tear on the first cover, spine slightly warped.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Marie-Hélène Camus to Maurice Blanchot.
Photographs by Daniel Camus.
Handsome copy.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Anne-Marie de Vilaine to Maurice Blanchot.
Handsome copy complete with publisher's (advertising) slip.

First edition printed on ordinary paper.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Georges Bonnamy to Maurice Blanchot.
A small tear re-glued at the foot of the spine, foxing on the top edge.

First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Colette Yver to Maurice Blanchot.
Two tears repaired at head and foot of spine, worming on top edge.

First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Marcel Arland to Maurice Blanchot.
Two tears at head and foot of spine, light crease mark at head of second cover.

New edition of the French translation, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Signed autograph inscription from the translator.
Provenance: from the library of Maurice Blanchot.
Minor stains of no consequence to the covers.

First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Jean Blanzat to Maurice Blanchot.
Two small insignificant stains on the spine and front cover.
Complete with publisher's (advertising) slip.
Preface by Raymond Queneau.

First edition of the French translation, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Harry Mathews in French to Maurice Blanchot "... avec toute ma gratitude pour l"'Arrêt de mort', pour ne pas nommer tous les autres accomplis et à venir" ["... with all my gratitude for 'Death Sentence', not to mention all the others accomplished and to come"].
Handsome copy.

First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Constantin de Grunwald to Maurice Blanchot.
Iconography.
Two tears at head and foot of spine.

First edition on ordinary paper.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Jean-Paul Weber to Maurice Blanchot.
Spine slightly sunned without consequence, a small lack to the pages of the first gathering which were poorly cut.

First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a service de presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Bernard Savoy to Maurice Blanchot.
Spine slightly sunned, minimal foxing on covers.
Complete with publisher's slip.

First edition, an advance (service de presse) copy.
Handsome autograph inscription from Annette Vaillant to Maurice Blanchot.

First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Marie-Emilie Rey to Maurice Blanchot.
A small tear at the foot of the spine, slight worming on the second cover.
Complete with publisher's slip.

New edition, one of 2 lettered copies on vellum, deluxe copy. Publisher's full cream cloth Bradel binding, smooth spine, title vignette pasted on first cover, tawny felt endpapers and pastedowns.
Signed and inscribed copy by the author to a couple of his friends.
Our copy is enhanced with 4 letters and an autograph postcard addressed to the same recipients.
Handsome copy.

First edition on ordinary paper, false mention of edition.
Autograph inscription from the author.
A good copy.

First edition.
Contemporary brown paper Bradel binding, modern black sheep title label, skillful repairs to joints and corners.
Rare autograph inscription from the author to his friend the sculptor David (d'Angers). The inscription, though its ink has faded, is still legible.
Retaining its frontispiece lithograph by Raffet.
Occasional spotting.

First edition, one of 100 numbered copies on vélin du Marais, the only deluxe copies with 25 Japan.
Signed autograph inscription by René Fauchois.
Work illustrated with 16 drawings by Boris.
Handsome full-margined copy.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Signed and inscribed copy.
Iconography.
Very light worming to edges without significance.

First edition, an advance (service de presse) copy.
Autograph inscription from the author.
Spots, not serious, to the edges.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Signed and inscribed copy.
Work illustrated with drawings by Edmond-Maurice Pérot.

First edition on ordinary paper.
Half dark green shagreen binding, faded spine with four raised bands set with gilt dots decorated with gilt double compartments embellished with gilt typographical motifs, marbled paper boards, original wrappers preserved, top edge gilt.
Press clippings included.
Signed and inscribed by Willy to Willy Michel.

First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Half dark green shagreen binding, faded spine with four raised bands set with gilt dots decorated with gilt double compartments embellished with gilt typographical motifs, marbled paper boards, original wrappers preserved, top edge gilt.
Signed and inscribed by Willy to Willy Michel.
Cover illustrated by Wely depicting Willy and Colette
Photographic frontispiece showing Colette as Claudine with the inscription "Vive la vie en rose!"
Additionally, we include a one-page autograph letter signed by Madeleine de Swarte concerning Willy and addressed to Willy Michel, envelope preserved.
Press clippings included.

First edition, one of 150 numbered copies on Holland paper.
Signed autograph inscription from Claude Farrère.
Two small tears repaired at head and foot of slightly warped spine, minimal marginal foxing of no consequence on first and last leaves.
Full-margined copy.

First edition, one of 30 numbered copies on deluxe paper, this copy unnumbered, the only deluxe copies.
Signed autograph inscription by Claude Gallimard.
Rare and handsome copy.

First edition, one of 200 numbered copies on Featherweight paper, the only deluxe copies with 6 on Japan paper.
Signed autograph inscription by France Adine.
Small traces of adhesive tape on endpapers, otherwise a handsome full-margined copy.
Rare.

Second edition on ordinary paper.

Bradel binding in half orange cloth, smooth spine very slightly faded decorated with gilt floral motif, double gilt fillet at foot, chocolate shagreen title label, marbled paper boards, original wrappers preserved, contemporary binding.

Precious signed autograph inscription from Octave Mirbeau to Jean Ajalbert.

Provenance: library of Jean Ajalbert with his Japanese-style bookplate in the style of the Nabis, wood engraved in a very small number, signed with a monogram, probably that of Félicien Rops.

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.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Emile Nolly to Jean Ajalbert.
Furthermore, our copy is expanded with 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, we include an original photograph of the author. The article by Jean Ajalbert published in an Indochinese weekly is bound at the rear.
Provenance: from the library of Jean Ajalbert with his Japanese-style bookplate pasted to the verso of the front board, consisting of a wood engraving, probably by Félicien Rops, printed in a very small number and depicting Mount Fuji.
Handsome ensemble.

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.
Provenance: from the library of Jean Ajalbert with his japonisant bookplate in the style of the Nabis engraved on wood in a very small number, signed with a monogram, probably that of Félicien Rops.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Jules Renard to Jean Ajalbert.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Contemporary Bradel binding in half mouse-grey cloth, smooth spine very slightly faded decorated with a gilt typographical motif, double gilt fillet at foot, chocolate shagreen title-label with marginal scratches, marbled paper boards, original wrappers preserved.
Precious signed autograph inscription from René Boylesve to Jean Ajalbert.
Provenance: from the library of Jean Ajalbert.

First edition printed on ordinary paper, with only 20 deluxe copies printed on Holland paper.
Half chocolate brown morocco binding, smooth spine with three tiny holes at head, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, minor surface abrasions at foot of second board, contemporary unsigned binding but attributable to Lancelin.
Signed autograph inscription from Octave Mirbeau to Paul Ollendorff.
A slight marginal tear to the first gathering which has been mounted. Attractively bound copy. Provenance: from the library of Paul Ollendorff.

Second edition printed on ordinary paper immediately after the first edition, containing the three chapters on Balzac that caused scandal.
Half chocolate brown morocco binding, smooth spine, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, minor scuffs of no consequence at foot of second board, original wrappers preserved, contemporary unsigned binding but attributable to Lancelin.
Signed autograph inscription from Octave Mirbeau to Paul Ollendorff.
Handsome copy attractively bound.
Provenance: from the library of Paul Ollendorff.

First edition printed on ordinary paper, only 50 copies on Japan paper were printed as deluxe copies.
Half cherry red morocco binding, spine with five raised bands set with gilt fillets decorated with double gilt compartments richly adorned with gilt decorative motifs as well as a mosaic piece of cherry red morocco, some minor traces of rubbing to spine, double gilt fillets on marbled paper boards, endpapers and pastedowns of marbled paper, top edge gilt, contemporary unsigned binding but attributable to Lancelin.
Signed autograph inscription from Albert Delpit to Madame Paul Ollendorff.
Handsome copy attractively bound.
Provenance: from the library of Paul Ollendorff.