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122 - FRANCE (Anatole) and JOU (Louis). Thaïs.
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Estimate €600 - €800
Sale commission
Description
FRANCE (Anatole) and JOU (Louis). Thaïs. A very fine copy of Louis Jou’s most sought-after illustration, in an elegant Jansenist binding by Charles Septier. Paris, Les Cent Bibliophiles, 1924. Quarto (200x270 mm), dark brown Jansenist morocco, spine with 4 blind-stamped false ribs, double gilt fillet on the edges, wide inner border of the same morocco decorated with a dotted border and double gilt fillet with fleurons at the corners, signature "Ch. Septier’ in the leather, silk endpapers with floral motifs on a black background, double endpapers, edges gilt on endpapers, illustrated covers and spine preserved, edged slipcase (Ch. Septier). 214 pages, 146 compositions drawn and wood-engraved in colour and monochrome by Louis Jou, including 1 frontispiece, 8 plates (including 2 on the cover) and 137 headpieces, vignettes and initials. Slight rubbing to the raised bands and minimal scuffing to the covers. A charming edition of this novel by Anatole France, inspired by the life of Saint Thaïs, illustrated with 146 colour and monochrome woodcut compositions by Louis Jou, who also designed the typefaces. One of the illustrator’s most sought-after books; a ‘masterpiece’ according to Carteret. Limited edition of 135 copies registered in the name of the first owner; this is no. 36, printed for Louis Dupont, and includes the list of members (4 folios bound at the end).
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About the sale Fine antique and collectible books, manuscripts and modern illustrated works
Auction location
Auction time 06/29/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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