Jean Giono - Les Âmes Fortes - 1949

Jean Giono – Les âmes fortes – Gallimard NRF 1949 – Binding design by Paul Bonet
EO – numbered copy 333/1000 on Alfama Marais

This copy is an original edition of the novel “Les âmes fortes” by Jean Giono, published in 1949 in a Bonet carton binding printed on Alfama Marais paper and bears the number 333 / 1050 (of which 50 out of commerce).

This novel, whose title seems to contrast with Nicolas Gogol’s “Dead Souls,” was adapted for cinema by Raoul Ruiz in 2001.

Paul Bonet bindings are rare and particularly sought after by bibliophile collectors. They are part of a series of 552 titles (mostly first editions) issued between 1941 and 1967 in Gallimard’s white NRF collection, which, unlike the usual paperback editions, benefit from a limited print run with an art binding made of card-board and decorated with an original design created by various artists, among whom Paul Bonet is the most representative, featuring polychrome decorations printed in several passes.

In-12 (18x12 cm)
339 pp

Excellent overall condition, clean interior, pages very white, no foxing, tears, or writing. The photos are part of the description (though a little yellowed compared to reality because taken under artificial light).