Laclos / P.-E. Bécat - Les Liaisons Dangereuses - 1949

Title: Laclos – Dangerous Liaisons – Numeroted bibliophile edition 565/890 – Illustrations by Paul-Émile Bécat – Full crimson morocco binding – Editions Athéna, Paris, 1949

Description:
Extremely rare and elegant bibliophile edition of Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos (epistolary novel published in 1782), published in 1949 by Editions Athéna, Athéna-Bibliophile Collection, Paris.

Bibliography:
Two complete volumes, large square octavo (approximately 22.5 × 18 cm). Text set in Baskerville type, printed in two tones (black and bluish-gray for borders, initials, and tailpieces).

Illustrations:
26 plates hors-texte printed in color by pochoir after the original plates by Paul-Émile Bécat (1885–1960), master of French erotic engraving of the 20th century, whose refined style sits in the libertine tradition of the 18th century.

Binding:
Full crimson morocco, spine with four raised bands adorned with a central gilt fleuron, gilt rules surrounding the bands, head and tail rulings, gilt top, high-quality endpapers, covers and spine preserved.

Justification of the printing:
Limited edition of about 990 numbered copies — 100 on Annam paper and 890 on Rives B.F.K. This copy is No. 565, on Rives B.F.K.

Condition:
Very good overall condition for a 1949 volume. Sturdy binding, gilding well preserved, the pochoir plates sharp and colorful. Original red suede-like case included.

Shipping:
Via Colissimo, Chronopost, or Mondial Relais, carefully packaged and protected.

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