First illustrated edition of the Contes drolatiques and first issue of the 425 illustrations by Gustave Dore, wood engraved, considered as the artist’s masterpiece.

Carteret, III, pp. 48-53; Bulletin de la Librairie Morgand et Fatout, II, 6445; Berny, Livres anciens, romantiques et modernes, III, 92; Rahir, VI, 1875.

Precious copy, one of 25 privately printed on China paper.

"A few copies have been printed on China paper, probably 25, not issued for sale, that are of a great rarity” (Carteret).

This work, considered as Gustave Dore’s masterpiece, is appreciated for the quality of its diverse and abundant illustration: 425 compositions, vignettes and large woodcuts. A multitude of engravers contributed to the implementation of Mr. Dore’s illustrations.

« M. Henri Beraldi a écrit que... tout ce qui est amateur de livres a une dévotion spéciale aux contes drolatiques et que de tous les ouvrages de Doré,

‘S’il n’en reste qu’un seul, ce sera celui-là ! ‘»

A spectacularly beautiful illustration magnified by the China paper.

"The proofs are very beautiful thanks to the quality of the China paper, in love with the printing; the high prices reached by these rare copies justify their quality of large paper and first issue" Carteret.

Superb wide-margined copy, with some untrimmed pages, preserved in its elegant signed contemporary binding.