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Rare fragmentary example of the 1927 Paris edition of Edgar Allan Poe’s Le Diable dans le Beffroi (The Devil in …
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Rare fragmentary example of the 1927 Paris edition of Edgar Allan Poe’s Le Diable dans le Beffroi (The Devil in the Belfry), translated into French by Fernande Hélie and illustrated with striking color woodcuts by French artist Jacques Maret (1900–1980).
Published and printed in Paris by Jean and Jacques Vaucher, this edition was produced in only 160 numbered copies on Hollande Van Gelder Zonen paper. This example is No. 44 of 160, with the limitation number entered by hand on the justification page.
The publication is particularly notable for Maret’s bold, highly graphic illustrations, combining geometric abstraction, whimsical figuration and a distinctly early Surrealist sensibility. The complete edition originally contained 25 full-page color woodcuts, printed on a hand press by Jean and Jacques Vaucher.
This surviving example is incomplete and should be considered a fragmentary copy. It retains the illustrated French wrappers, original outer folder with printed title label, limitation and title pages, decorated folded endpapers, selected text leaves, and four full-page color woodcut illustrations on pages 23, 25, 27 and 29. Several surviving sheets remain uncut/unopened along their upper edges, consistent with the manner in which the work was originally issued.
An unusual survivor of a very small-edition French artist's book, appealing as much for Maret's vivid 1920s graphic work as for its association with Edgar Allan Poe.
Published by J. & J. Vaucher, Paris, 1927.
Translation by Fernande Hélie.
Illustrations by Jacques Maret.
Numbered 44 of 160 copies.
Dimensions: 9.5 in. H × 8 in. W × 0.25 in. D.
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- Dimensions
- 8ʺW × 0.25ʺD × 9.5ʺH
- Styles
- Illustration
- Period
- 1920s
- Country of Origin
- France
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Woodcut
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Tan
- Condition Notes
- Fragmentary and incomplete copy. Many leaves from the original publication are absent. Surviving contents include the illustrated wrappers and outer … moreFragmentary and incomplete copy. Many leaves from the original publication are absent. Surviving contents include the illustrated wrappers and outer folder, decorated endpapers, justification and title leaves, selected text pages, and four full-page color illustrations. Light age-related toning, occasional small spots and handling wear are present. Outer folder shows edge wear, creasing and losses consistent with age. Several surviving sheets remain uncut at the upper edges. Please refer closely to photographs for the exact contents and condition. less
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