Renaud Przezdziecki - Varsovie - 1924

Renaud Przezdziecki – Varsovie – 1924 – First Edition – Deluxe Edition, No. 23 of only 50 numbered copies

A particularly rare and highly collectible deluxe issue of Varsovie by Count Renaud Przezdziecki (1884–1955), published by Biblioteka Polska, Warsaw, circa 1924.

This is the first edition of Przezdziecki's richly illustrated French-language monograph on Warsaw. Bibliographical sources generally date the first edition to 1924, although some contemporary and later catalogues give 1925. The work comprises 388 pages, 170 illustrations in the text and 32 full-page plates.

What makes this particular copy especially noteworthy is that it belongs to the extremely limited deluxe issue of only 50 numbered copies.

The limitation notice printed in the book states:

“Il a été tiré de cet ouvrage une édition de luxe … de cinquante exemplaires numérotés de 1 à 50.”

This copy is specifically numbered:

No. 23 / 50

It is therefore one of only fifty numbered deluxe copies produced.

The book is entirely in French and was intended in part to introduce foreign visitors to the history, architecture, monuments and artistic heritage of Warsaw. A contemporary advertisement by Biblioteka Polska described it as an elegantly produced and richly illustrated monograph of the Polish capital.

The work contains 170 illustrations within the text and 32 plates, making it not only an important historical source on interwar Warsaw but also an attractive visual record of the city before the destruction of World War II. A 1928 article on Polish tourist literature likewise describes Przezdziecki's Varsovie as a 1925 publication by Biblioteka Polska with 170 illustrations and 32 plates.

Condition

The book is complete and presents well overall for its age.

The original dark blue cloth binding with gilt lettering is preserved, although it shows signs of age and use, including surface wear and minor imperfections.

The first two leaves are noticeably browned/yellowed, while the remaining pages are generally lighter but show occasional age-related spotting and soiling. Some gatherings/pages in the middle of the book have become loose. These binding/structural issues should be noted by prospective buyers.

Importantly, the book is complete, and the exceptionally rare numbered deluxe issue and original period binding remain the principal attractions of this copy.

Rarity

At the 147th Antiquarian Auction of the Krakowski Antykwariat Naukowy, a non-numbered copy of Varsovie by Renaud Przezdziecki sold for 246,00€.

The present copy is substantially rarer, as it is one of only 50 individually numbered deluxe copies.

The combination of first-edition status, deluxe issue, extremely small limitation, individual number (23/50), French text, extensive illustrations and historical importance to Warsaw makes this an exceptional collector's copy.