Peter Bichsel   Fine Books

Saint-Pierre, Jacques-Henri Bernardin de. Paul et Virginie. – (Followed by:) La Chaumière Indienne. – (And:) Flore de Paul et Virginie et de La Chaumière Indienne.

With Frontispiece and 28 orig. wood-engr. on China, 1 coloured map of the Île de France, 7 steel-engr. portraits on plates, and c. 450 wood-engr. vignettes in the text. LVI, 458, (2) pp. Large 8vo. Contemp. red half morocco, spine and boards gilt. Gilt stamped supralibros „Gulielma“ on front board. All edges gilt. – Paris, L. Curmer, 1838.

First issue of one of the most beautifully illustrated editions of Bernardin de Saint-Pierre’s (1737–1814) successful novel (first published in 1788). Most of the plates with their tissue-guards with printed quotes. – Vicaire VII, 42ff.; Brivois 388ff. – Ms. dedication to „Gulielma“ in front of half title, dated 1846. Extended later notes in pencil about this copy on first flyleaf. Top of spine somewhat used. – Best.-Nr. 22230