Roger Chancel (ill.) - Livre Noir 1939-1945 - 1945

Livre Noir 1939-1945, Trente Planches de (Roger) Chancel, Préface d’André Billy de l’Académie Goncourt, published by Les Éditions de la Nouvelle France, Paris, 1945, with introductory pages and 30 large, predominantly colour plates, printed on ‘vélin pur chiffon’ and loosely held in two paper folders inserted into original half-cloth hard covers. Signed by the artist/illustrator on the half-title page and numbered 643 (of 1000) on the limitation page at the rear. All held in a black slipcase. Verso of all text and illustrations is blank.

In these illustrations with captions Chancel aims his sharp wit and sarcasm at the Vichy government, the German and Italian occupiers, as well as at the complacency of some French people during this period, in a work some consider to be Chancel’s masterpiece.

The slipcase has some loss at one corner and shows other signs of use. The hard covers have a little scuffing and slight damage to the cloth along edges. A small strip of the spine title label with the artist’s name has been worn away, but otherwise the covers are still in good sturdy condition. One of the inner folders holding the illustrations has a closed tear along one spine edge. There is light rippling to the heavy paper of the illustrations, but no spotting or staining and these are otherwise in fine condition.

Size: 39 x 29 cm
Weight: 2 kg

Shipping is signed-for and insured

See the photos for a better idea of details and condition