(Eragny Press)

Nerval, Gérard de.  Histoire de la reine du matin & de Soliman prince des genies.  London: Eragny Press for Les Cent Bibliophiles, 1909



8vo (8 7/8 x 5 5/8 in.; 226 x 143 mm, uncut).  Gilt-lettered title-page with pictorial vignette in blue, first page of text with color-printed border and color headpiece, 15 wood-engraved vignettes printed in blue in text, 12 wood-engraved pictorial initials printed in color and with gilt, wood-engraved head- and tailpieces, by Lucien Pissarro.  Original full limp olive green calf, spine gilt-lettered, covers elaborately gilt-stamped; spine somewhat rubbed.  Slipcase; some rubbing.

Henri Vever (exemplaire nominatif)

Ray, English 267

8vo (8 7/8 x 5 5/8 in.; 226 x 143 mm, uncut). Gilt-lettered title-page with pictorial vignette in blue, first page of text with color-printed border and color headpiece, 15 wood-engraved vignettes printed in blue in text, 12 wood-engraved pictorial initials printed in color and with gilt, wood-engraved head- and tailpieces, by Lucien Pissarro. Original full limp olive green calf, spine gilt-lettered, covers elaborately gilt-stamped; spine somewhat rubbed. Slipcase; some rubbing.
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.

Copy 97 of 130 numbered copies, this being an exemplaire nominatif for Henri Vever.  The book is accompanied by a portfolio containing 16 sketches and drawings prepatory for tracing on woodblocks by Lucien Pissarro, mounted on stiff card.  Also present is an additional suite of plates on chine and one color wood-engraved plate signed by Pissarro and numbered "28/50".

"Pissarro's decorations for this extract from Nerval's Voyage en orient achieve a selective richness.  The book opens with a burst of color and gold leaf, there are monochrome woodcuts dotting the text, and every chapter has a pictorial initial letter printed in color and gold.  It is a pity that the book's extreme rarity (most of the 130 copies printed must still be in France) has prevented collectors from becoming acquainted with it" (Ray).