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an old book with a red cover and gold decorations on itan open book on a table with a picture of a dragon on ita book that is open on a tablean open book on a table with a white backgroundan open book on a table with a white background
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Estimate €600 - €900
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Description
LITERATURE] HUYSMANS (Joris-Karl)] Le drageoir à épices, Paris, Dentu, 1874 A 12mo volume in half-maroquin with plum-coloured corners, smooth spine decorated with a floral design of (4), 115 pages, (1). A copy of the first edition, printed in a run of 300 copies at the author’s expense (which failed to find an audience upon publication: it is said that only four copies were sold in a month). A copy with the correct date and cover, clearly showing the error in the author’s first name: Jorris-Karl. The book comes from the personal library of Jean-Louis Debré (1944–2025), Minister of the Interior from 1995 to 1997. Handwritten note in pencil, attributed to Jean-Louis Debré: “presented by the directors of the Ministry of the Interior on my departure, 4 June 1997”. The book contains a descriptive slip on paper bearing the letterhead of the French Ministry of the Interior and is accompanied by a handwritten letter from Huysmans, addressed to ‘Dear Master’ and referring to the ‘Éditions du Drageoirs aux Épices’ (a transcription is enclosed). Corners slightly worn. A very interesting set, in good condition.
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About the sale ANTIQUE AND MODERN BOOKS
Auction location
Auction time 09/12/2026 at 2:15 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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