Narcisse [One of an edition limited to 38 copies, all copies signed by the author and printer.].

Name: Narcisse [One of an edition limited to 38 copies, all copies signed by the author and printer.].
Author: VALERY, Paul

Book Description

VALERY, Paul. Narcisse. Angers (Antwerp): Alexander Stols 1926. Text in French. One of an edition limited to 38 copies, of which three copies have been printed on Japanese paper, lettered A, B, and C, each with the name of the purchaser printed on the colophon, and an original drawing by the author; and, 35 copies printed on Grand Hollande paper from Pannekoek & Co, Numbered 1 to 35, this being copy 26 of the numbered copies; all copies signed by the author and printer. Although not called for, the publisher has inscribed this copy on the colophon for la Countesse Sophie Benckendorf . Also laid in is an invoice from Liberty & Co Ltd, addressed to the Countess and dated 5/9/27. The edition was typeset in Garamond and decorated with initials and a title by J. van Krimpen and printed in Maastricht by A. A. M. Stols in April 1926. Original printed wrappers. Small brown mark on spine (may be where a cigarette gently brushed it as there is a small hole in the tissue at the same point), top edge dusty and foxed, light foxing on front and back free end papers, otherwise a Fine copy in very rare original tissue guard with small hole on spine and some foxing.

Dealer Notes

I can only find three institutions, all in either Holland or France, on Worldcat definitely holding this edition. Worldcat lists nine but at least four have later editions. Jan van Krimpen was a Dutch typographer, book designer and type designer. He was a leading figure of international reputation in book printing during his lifetime. He designed books both in the Netherlands and for the Limited Editions Club of New York, amongst others. His work has been described as traditional and classical in style, focusing on simplicity and high quality of book printing. La Countessa Sophie Benckendorff was the wife of Alexander Constantinovich Benckendorff. They married in 1879 and lived at the family estate of Sosnovka in Tambov province before Alexander was persuaded to enter the diplomatic service, on account of his upbringing and linguistic capabilities. He spent many years in Vienna before being transferred to Copenhagen, and then to London in 1902 as ambassador. He was the last Tsarist Ambassador in London, dying in office in January 1917. After the death of her husband and her departure from the Embassy, Sophie settled in Suffolk.

Author VALERY, Paul

Date 1926

Binding Original printed wrappers.

Publisher Angers (Antwerp): Alexander Stols

Condition Near Fine copy, as issued

Price: £500.00

Offered by William Cowan

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Important Information

Narcisse [One of an edition limited to 38 copies, all copies signed by the author and printer.].

Book Description

Dealer Notes

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Important Information

Narcisse [One of an edition limited to 38 copies, all copies signed by the author and printer.].

Book Description

Dealer Notes

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