Cervantes Saavedra, Miguel de

L'ingénieux hidalgo Don Quichotte de la Manche, traduit et annoté par Louis Viardot. Paris: J.-J. Dubochet, 1836-1837



8vo (10 1/8 x 6 1/4 in.; 255 x 158 mm). Half-titles with portrait of the author on verso (wearing a moustache), frontispiece in vol. 2, 2 additional ornamental titles on vélin, numerous wood-engraved text illustrations all after Tony Johannot. Contemporary maroon pebbled cloth, double-fillet border, spines gilt, edges gilt, green silk placeholders; three corners torn, other light signs of wear at extremities.

Carteret III: 136-137; Ray, French 256-263

three corners torn, other light signs of wear at extremities.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First issue, with figure on page 256 facing to the right, one of a few copies printed on chine. Tony Johannot has been called "the illustrator par excellence of the Romantic School" (Gusman) and his prodigious output consisted of over 3000 designs in 150 books.

The translation is by Louis Viardot, director of the Théâtre Italien in Paris, a lover of all things Spanish, whose wife, the singer Pauline
Garcia, was Turgenev's mistress. It was issued in 100 parts with over 800 wood engravings, and sold more than 20,000 copies. Johannot's illustrations accord more respect, though tinged with affectionate humor, to the figure of Don Quixote than had been the custom.