LOVELY SET OF THE MASTERPIECES OF GEORGE SAND, RICHLY ILLUSTRATED WITH THE PLATES IN DOUBLE-SUITE, WITH THREE-PAGE AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED BY SAND TIPPED IN
SAND, George. The Masterpieces of George Sand Now for the First Time Completely Translated into English. Printed Only For Subscribers. Philadelphia: George Barrie & Sons, (1900-02). Twenty volumes. Octavo, publisher's three-quarter dark blue morocco, elaborately gilt-decorated spines, raised bands, top edges gilt. $8800.
"Japan Vellum Edition" of Sand's most famous works, number 42 of only 1000 sets printed on Japan vellum and profusely illustrated with 125 photogravures, each illustration in two states: one in black on India proof paper and mounted, and one in bistre on Japan etching paper (frontispieces finely hand-colored). With an intriguing three-page autograph letter signed by Sand tipped in.
Several of the works included are here translated for the first time into English. Many of the author's introductions to first and important later editions are included, as well as a memoir of Sand by J. Alfred Burgan. This exquisite set includes 125 illustrated plates by noted artists of the day, including Adrien Moreau and J.B. Graff. "French illustration of the Belle Epoque had an international vogue… the most spectacular example of this French influence was the firm of George Barrie and Son of Philadelphia… Robert Barrie scoured Paris in the 1890's to find illustrations for the thousands of plates which his firm employed in its editions" (Ray, The Art of the French Illustrated Book, 377). The illustrations in each volume are presented in two suites: one "India proof" printed in black, mounted on Japanese vellum paper; one on Japanese etching-paper, in bistre; the frontispieces feature the latter state finely hand-colored.
The letter, dated in Nohant, June 16, '62, reads, in full: "Vous avez publié dans l'ami des sciences, un bon et charmant travail sur les formes que s'appellerais primitives et que vous appeles plus exactemens geometriques. Ce travail est il publié en volume avec planches? Si oui, voulez m'en faire expedié une douzaine d'exemplaires en faisant suivre le remboursement pour votre editeur. J'ai une autre grâce a vous demander. Ma jeune belle fille qui est italienne et qui sait plusieurs langues, et qui voudrait traduire en italien des ouvrages utiles à la jeunesse, a pensé a traduire celui-ci. Au cas où elle réaliserais ce project, voulez-vous lui en accordé l'autorisation exclusive? Il vas audire que vos droite seraient réservis comme vous l'entendez. S'il y a ___. La chère enfant ne cherche l'a aucun autre profit pour elle-meme, que la satisfaction d'occuper ses loisirs au service de son pays. Agréez, Madame, avec mes felicitations pour le bon emploi que vous faites de votre coeur et de votre intelligence, l'expression de mes sentimens affectueux, [signed] George Sand." Translated: "You have published in the Friend of Science a good and charming work on the forms which would be called primitive and which you call more exactly geometric. Is this work published in volume with plates? If so, please send me a dozen copies and forward reimbursement to your publisher. I have another favor to ask of you. My young daughter-in-law, who is Italian and who knows several languages, and who would like to translate into Italian works useful for young people, thought of translating this one. If she does this project, do you want to give her exclusive permission? He will hear that your rights would be reserved as you see fit. If there is ___. The dear child seeks no other profit for herself than the satisfaction of occupying her leisure time in the service of her country. Accept, Madam, with my congratulations for the good use you make of your heart and your intelligence, the expression of my affectionate feelings, [signed] George Sand." In this letter Sand is clearly referring to her only daughter, Solage Dudevant, also a writer and novelist.
A beautifully illustrated and bound set in fine condition, desirable with a signed Sand letter.