French Language or translation from or about the French

The Complete Works of Francois Villon – Translated by J.U. Nicolson – Illustrated by Alexander King – Fine First Editions 1928

Superior two volume set published by Covici, New York in May 1928 part of limited set of 960 this copy numbered 427 signed by the translator J.U. Nicolson. Typography by C. McMurtie.

Royal Octavo 809 pages all up after preliminaries. A near fine set rich red cloth covered boards with gilt title to spine and front unmarked, fully protected by complete heavy black dust jackets with a slight edge crease and a small closed tear. Top edge rich gilt very clean internally pages bright as new. Dust jackets nearly always missing with this set. Lovely full page sepia-tone illustrations as frontispiece and throughout the volumes. A heavy set near 3 kgs so may require some extra postage dependent on your location.

The volumes are set out side by side original French and English translation. Villon (1431 to c1463) by far the best-known French poet of the late Middle Ages, a renowned and shady character whose verses chronicle his escapades. He was born in Paris and disappeared from “historical” view in 1463. He had multiple encounters with the law. His real name may have been Francois de Montcorbier or Francois des Loges. Whatever, his nom de plume “Villon”’ appears everywhere in his writing. His work suggests he was born into poverty and raised by a foster father (from whom he adopted the name Villon). He was bright and received qualifications from the University of Paris at an early age. His first real skirmish with the law came in 1455 when he “accidentally” killed a man during a scuffle. He was banished and then pardoned when evidence was produced that the dead party had forgiven him before the lights went out. Shortly afterwards he was involved in a serious robbery and after various complexities was banished and wandered the country supposedly as part of a gang of thieves. In 1461, he spent the “summer” in the Bishop’s prison at Meung-sur-Loire and dodgey things went on from there.

All of this makes for interesting poetic accounts of life as Villon experienced it. Le Testament written in 1461 is regarded as his greatest work, His work is sprinkled with mystery and hidden jokes and include much slang from the underworld he inhabited. His texts include the real names of many influential people of the time … the rich, royal officials, lawyers, police and prostitutes. The most quoted refrain “Mais ou sont les neiges d’antan?” (Where are the snows of yester-year?) comes from the Ballade des dames du temps jadis and has been quoted from Rossetti to the hit TV program Downton Abbey. We cannot write about Villon’s influence in Film, Theatre, Poetry etc. as we would be here all year!

All of Villon in French and English in Fine Presentation.

$180.00

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The Saints the Devil and the King – M.L. Mabie – 1930 First Edition

Published by Boobs Merrill & Co, Indianapolis a first edition 1930. A very good copy in a pretty good dust jacket a couple of chips to the corners and the spine ends but still displaying its 1930′s lovliness.

Interesting novel based on the life of Louis IX and all those around him. Unusually structured book which once immersed makes it all the more delightful. Jacket art by Horvath.

Rare 1930’s Historical First

$50.00

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Camille – Alexander Dumas

A nice period Modern Library Edition in very good condition.

A love story but with heartache that is guaranteed to draw a tear. Dumas passion shines through

For romantics

$30.00

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Histoire du Chevalier des Grieux et de Manon Lescaut – Provost – Beautifully Illustrated with original Aquarelle by Maggy Monier- 1920′s

A novel by Abbe Provost published originally in 1731 as the seventh and final volume of a series Memoirs and Adventures of a man of Quality.

Banned in France after publication because of its scandalous content … later toned down.

The Chevalier des Grieux forfeits his inheritance to run away with his lover Manon Lescaut. They enjoy blissful cohabitation in Paris but Manon proves expensive to keep and our hero turns to cheating on friends and gamblers. Manon leaves for a richer man. The couple end up together in New Orleans after Manon is deported for immoral earnings … and their unusual life continues.

Published by Nilsson, Paris in the 1920’s. One of 300 bound in hard covers this way. The highlight of the edition is the marvelous illustrations, aquarelles by Maggy Monier, an absolute delight.

Man Lescaut in vibrant form … a perfect French language gift

$80.00

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Voyage autour de ma Chambre – Xavier de Maistre – Beautifully Illustrated by Maggy Monier

Published by Nilsson, Paris the “Collection Emeraude [Emerald]” c 1930 with twelve aquarelles (watercolours) by Maggy Monier tipped in at front and throughout. A striking and delightful production.

The author Xavier de Maistre (1763-1852) wrote this work in 1790 and it was published in 1794 when he was under arrest in Turin as a result of a duel.

Voyage autour de ma chambre is a parody set in the tradition of the grand travel narrative. An autobiographical account of how a young official, imprisoned in his room for six weeks, looks at the furniture, engravings, etc., as if they were scenes from a voyage in a strange land. He praises this voyage because it does not cost anything, for and he recommends it to the poor, the infirm, and the lazy. “When I travel through my room,” he writes, “I rarely follow a straight line: I go from the table towards a picture hanging in a corner; from there, I set out obliquely towards the door; but even though, when I begin, it really is my intention to go there, if I happen to meet my armchair en route, I don’t think twice about it, and settle down in it without further ado.” Later, proceeding North, he encounters his bed, and in this way he light heartedly continues his “Voyage”.

It was later quoted or referenced by Somerset Maugham, D H Lawrence. Jorge Luis Borges and other literary greats.

Another beautiful french illustrated book

$120.00

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Candide – Voltaire – With Beautiful Full Page Pochoir Illustrations

Voltaire wrote Candide in three days in 1759. It is hilarious and must have inspired many comedic scribes. Martin Seymour-Smith regarded Candide as one of “The 100 Most influential Books Ever Written”.

This beautiful edition from the 1920’s published in Paris on the Champs-Elysees. It contains six unusual and striking aquarelles (watercolours) by Robert Polack.

Candide Beautifully Illustrated- French

$140.00

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The Complete Works of Francois Villon – Translated by J.U. Nicolson – Illustrated by Alexander King – Fine First Editions 1928

The Saints the Devil and the King – M.L. Mabie – 1930 First Edition

Camille – Alexander Dumas

Histoire du Chevalier des Grieux et de Manon Lescaut – Provost – Beautifully Illustrated with original Aquarelle by Maggy Monier- 1920′s

Voyage autour de ma Chambre – Xavier de Maistre – Beautifully Illustrated by Maggy Monier

Candide – Voltaire – With Beautiful Full Page Pochoir Illustrations

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