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285
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TÖPFFER (Rodolphe). The loves of Mr Vieux Bois.
See original version (French)
285
-
TÖPFFER (Rodolphe). The loves of Mr Vieux Bois.
See original version (French)
Estimate €400 - €600
Voluntary lot
Description
TÖPFFER (Rodolphe). The loves of Mr Vieux Bois.
Very rare first edition of this "literature in prints" by Töpffer, considered to be the first known comic strip in period condition.
Geneva, Frutiger, 1837.
In-8 oblong (225x135mm), brown half cloth boards with corners, green percaline boards, the first of which is titled in gold in the centre with a roulette frame (period binding).
Corners worn and dulled, original endpapers. Spine restored.
Drawn in 1827, "Les Amours de monsieur Vieux Bois" was printed from the autograph by Frutiger, before seeing a second enlarged edition two years later by Aubert.
The work was then translated into English and published in the United States in 1842 as "The Adventures of Mr. Obadiah Oldbuck", as a supplement to Brother Jonathan, a New York newspaper. It is considered to be the first comic strip published in the United States.
Preface inlaid in a philaster on the title page: "Behind begins the true story of the Loves of Mr. Oldbuck, and how, after many vicissitudes, he married the beloved object / Go, little book, and choose your world; for, to foolish things, he who does not laugh, yawns; he who does not surrender, resists; he who reasons, misunderstands; and he who wishes to remain serious, is master of them."
Unidentified bookplate, bearing motto "Ut Prosim".
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
About the sale
Prestige sale - Antiquarian and collectible books
Auction location
Auction time
06/15/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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