Souvestre, Pierre and Marcel Allain

8vo (190 x 123mm.), original printed wrappers with the cover illustration by Gino Starace, uncut, collector's morocco-backed chemise and slipcase

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A SURREALIST PULP CLASSIC; FIRST EDITION of the first Fantômas novel, one of many that were produced between 1911 and 1913 by both authors; Allain continued the series after Souvestre's death in 1914. This is considered the origin of the modern crime novel, with Fantômas prefiguring the fictional serial killer. At the time of publication, Fantômas was much admired by the Surrealists, and the first books were turned into films shortly after publication.

The printing of this book is rather poor quality, and the dust-jacket states that this first volume has the promotional price of 35 centimes rather than 65, the standard price for a volume from the series Le livre populaire.