WITH AN ORIGINAL FOURNIER PENCIL DRAWING OF PETRONIUS

DOUCET, Jerome. Pétrone. (Introduction & Fragments). Paris: A. Ferroud, 1902. Royal octavo, contemporary full marbled calf gilt, raised bands, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt; original printed paper wrappers bound in. $1450.

Limited edition of Doucet’s translation of seven fragments of poems by Petronius, with eight charming illustrations by Louis-Edouard Fournier gracefully etched by Xavier Lesueur. Number 24 of only 25 copies printed on Japon paper, with triple-suite printings of the etchings bound in, and with an original pencil drawing of Petronius by Fournier bound at the front. Beautifully bound by Meunier, dated 1907.

Doucet (1865-1957) was well-known for his children's and fantastic tales, published often under his pseudonym Montfrileux. His devotion to the book arts resulted in a number of collaborations between writer and artist, similar in style to the present volume. His collaborator on the present work, Louis-Edouard Fournier (1857-1917) was renowned in the prewar golden age of French book production for the illustrations he provided for a number of classic texts in deluxe style. From a total edition of only 225 copies.

Fine condition. A lovely volume, most desirable with original artwork by the illustrator.