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KÂ- MONDO / KAPANDJI MORHANGE

104 - BOURGES (Élémir). The twilight of the gods.
See original version (French)

Estimate €250 - €300
Sale commission
Description
BOURGES (Élémir). The twilight of the gods. Copy in a magnificent aubergine morocco binding, enriched with 7 original signed watercolours by Richard Ranft. Paris, Le Livre contemporain, 1905. In-4. Full chocolate-coloured grosgrain Jansenist morocco, ribbed spine, inner border in morocco decorated with gilt filleting and gilt corner-irons, floral moiré silk endpapers and lining, combed paper double-guard, double gilt filleting to edges, guilloche-trimmed headpieces, gilt edges, covers and spine preserved, slipcase. Binding signed David (1908). 259 pages; 62 coloured etchings including 1 frontispiece, headbands, lettering and endpapers. Spine uniformly faded, slipcase with slight wear. Edition illustrated with 62 original colour compositions by Richard Ranft, 31 of which are full-page. One of 119 numbered copies on B.F.K. de Rives vellum, number 51. The name of the addressee of the work has been scratched in the receipt. Enriched copy with 7 ink drawings enhanced with watercolour inserted in the book, variations on the subjects of the headbands of chapters II, III, IV, V, VI, VII and X. An account of the life of debauchery and luxury led by Charles d'Este, the deposed ruler of an imaginary German principality but strongly inspired by the life of Charles II of Brunswick in Paris, this book "is of the breed of books that fall from heaven. [...]. With it, a chandelier descends from the sky. A chandelier of crystals, gas and candles. A chandelier before which I stand speechless, like a poor child before a Christmas tree", as Cocteau put it. A very fine copy with original watercolours.
See original version (French)
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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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