"Nouvelles de Mérimée, la Mosaïque, 1887 - Lot 110

"Nouvelles de Mérimée, la Mosaïque, 1887 Preface by Jules Lemaitre Librairie des bibliophiles, Paris Illustrations after drawings by Aranda, de Beaumont, Bramtot, Le Blant, Merson, Myrbach, Sinibaldi Limited edition of 150 copies 294 pages Good condition: foxing on some pages, slight soiling 21.7 x 13.6 cm Note: A fine bibliophilic copy from the end of the XIXᵉ century, this edition of Prosper Mérimée's Nouvelles is in keeping with the taste for luxury editions intended for amateurs. Published in 1887 by Librairie des bibliophiles with a preface by Jules Lemaître, the work is distinguished by its limited edition of 150 copies on quality paper, some with suites of engravings. The rich iconography is based on illustrations from the drawings of several artists (Aranda, Beaumont, Bramtot, Le Blant, Merson, Myrbach, Sinibaldi), reflecting the editorial care typical of the productions of this Parisian house. The binding in half-maroquin with corners, combined with marbled paper boards, is in the tradition of elegant bibliophile bindings, combining solidity and decorative refinement. The set is a much sought-after work for the quality of its edition and its limited nature, despite the reported foxing and light soiling, common on this type of antique paper.