Rilke, Rainer-Maria

8vo (8 3/8 x 5 1/2 in; 215 x 140 mm). Contemporary green calf panelled gilt by W. Sperling, Leipzig, tooled at the center with a gilt laurel wreath, in the taste of 16th century French poetical decoration, pastepaper endpapers of green and gilt combed to a wavy pattern, spine lettered gilt, top edge gilt, modern slipcase. Edges slightly rubbed (due to the slipcase), spine lightly faded. 

Jean Pozzi (inscription from the author)

Edges slightly rubbed (due to the slipcase), spine lightly faded.
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 edition, number 126 of 300 copies. Inscribed by the poet to French diplomat and reputed orientalist Jean Pozzi: "A Monsieur Jean Pozzi, heureux de l'affirmer dans la possession de ce livre (que je n'avais jamais vu si soigneusement habilé). R.M. Rilke" [For Mr. J. Pozzi, happy to have him in possession of this book (which i have never seen so carefully bound)].

Jean Pozzi had a stellar academic career, receiving degrees in literature, law, and political science. His diplomatic appointments took him to all the countries of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Pozzi had also inherited from his father a strong passion for collecting, with his interests ranging from Persian, Indian, and Turkish paintings, manuscripts, calligraphy, ceramics, glass, bronzes, textiles and carpets, to modern sculpture, European paintings and pastels, as well as the letters and manuscripts of literary lights such as Lamartine and Châteaubriand. He donated his extensive collection of Persian miniatures to the Musée d'art et d'histoire in Geneva in recognition of his Helvetic roots. His father, Samuel Pozzi, was remembered as a great friend of Marcel Proust, and John Singer Sargent painted a resplendent full-length portrait of him in 1881.