Balzac / Gustave Doré - Les contes drolatiques - 1861

The funny tales of Gustave Doré in a very rare period cardboard, very fresh. Copies of this edition are more commonly found in modest bindings, in leather or half-leather, and "rarely very well bound" (Clouzot) . Full black percaline. Cold stamped plates. Back decorated with gilded irons with a composition after Doré at the bottom.

Condition: very clean cardboard, fresh percaline, micro-rubbing at the corners and head cap. Fresh and clean interior, rare minor foxing. very nice copy, untrimmed.

This edition of the funny tales is esteemed for the abundant illustration by Gustave Doré composed of 425 drawings engraved on wood. Mention of sixth edition on the title.

Exceptional copy in period cardboard, of one of the first books illustrated by Gustave Doré.

[Very rare cardboard] Gustave Doré; Balzac
The funny tales collected in the Abbeys of Touraine and brought to light by the Sieur de Balzac for the amusement of the Pantagruelists and not others
Paris, Garnier Frères, n. d. (1861)
Strong octavo measuring 13. 5 x 21 cm; xxxi-614-(1) pp.

The Contes drolatiques demonstrate Balzac's interest in Renaissance literature and in particular the work of Rabelais. The writer pastiches the satirical style and thoughts of his illustrious model, in a work with a tone that is both joyful and saucy.

provenance: heraldic ex-libris on the upper backplate with the motto “tout par la forge”.

Subject: Very rare Cartoon Gustave Doré Balzac Contes Drolatiques 1861 Humor Caricature