Colette; Dignimont - La Vagabonde - 1926

Title: Colette – La Vagabonde – Numbered bibliophile edition (No. 614/892), illustrated in color by Dignimont – Mornay, Paris, 1926 – Full morocco mosaic binding in Art Deco style with slipcase

Description:
Author: Colette (Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette)
Title: La Vagabonde
Illustrator: André Dignimont
Publisher: A. & G. Mornay, collection “Les Beaux Livres,” no. 33
Place and date: Paris, 1926
Format: In-8 (approximately 20 x 16.5 cm)

Edition and printing:
Illustrated edition limited to 1,065 numbered copies. This copy is No. 614, one of 892 printed on Rives vélin. The illustrations include a color frontispiece, plates hors-texte, and numerous in-text vignettes and initials signed by Dignimont, Colette’s favorite illustrator.

Binding:
Two-tone original full morocco binding from the period: red-brique and burgundy (eggplant), with inlaid leather mosaics depicting stylized floral motifs in Art Deco style (lilies and acanthus). Gilt top. A high-quality artist binding, probably executed shortly after publication.

Case:
Original marbled case (pink, green, and ochre tones), in good condition.

Overall condition:
Very good. Interior clean, paper sound, illustrations with fresh colors. Extremely minor scuffs on the case, aged as expected.

Interest:
La Vagabonde, originally published in 1910, is one of Colette’s major novels, largely autobiographical. This 1926 Mornay edition is considered one of the finest illustrated editions of the 20th century devoted to this work. Dignimont, whom Colette affectionately nicknamed “Dig,” provides more than eighty drawings.

Delivery:
Careful shipping via Colissimo, Chronopost, or Mondial Relay at the buyer’s choice. Reinforced packaging suitable for antique books.

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