Alphonse Mucha - Letem Českým Světem - 1898
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€ 100
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Selected by Tom Hopman
Studied history and managed a large online book catalogue with 13 years' antiquarian bookshop experience.
Estimate € 350 - € 400
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Letem Českým Světem by Alphonse Mucha, a 1st edition hardback Czech-language photography and travel history book of 500 pages, published in 1898 by Jos. R. Vilímek (Praha), with a famous Art Nouveau full-cloth binding and large oblong folio dimensions roughly 28.5 × 37 cm, in very good condition.
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Description from the seller
Mucha, Alphonse- Letem českým světem - Iconic Art Nouveau Oblong Folio Binding - 1898
Condition:
The book is in overall very good and nicely preserved condition, and the emotional and tactile impression of this volume is truly beautiful. The original publisher's full-cloth binding shows only minor spotting, the corners of the boards are slightly rubbed and frayed, and the surface displays light light scratches, which is common for such a massive and heavy volume; all details and specific imperfections are fully documented in the attached photographs. The internal book block remains sound and tightly bound, the leaves carry a light natural patina, ensuring that Mucha's lithographed artwork on the front cover remains clean, bold, and visually striking.
This is an exceptionally rare and highly collectible monumental photo-book, “Letem českým světem” (A Flight Over the Czech World), published in Prague in 1898 by the prestigious publisher Jos. R. Vilímek. The large-format volume contains a comprehensive archive of 500 full-page black-and-white documentary photographs showcasing the historical architecture, landscapes, cities, and traditional folklore of Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia, and Slovakia at the close of the 19th century. The ultimate artistic and collector's value of this work lies in its iconic Art Nouveau full-cloth binding designed by the world-famous master Alphonse Mucha (1860–1939), with the front cover serving as one of Mucha's most celebrated achievements in applied book graphic design featuring his signature allegorical female figure.
The massive volume is printed in an oblong folio format (approx. 28.5 x 35.5 cm) on heavy, high-quality paper stock with detailed accompanying text descriptions for each depicted location. It is highly sought after on the international art market both as an important historical topographical source and, primarily, as a prime example of Art Nouveau book binding. Due to the substantial weight (approx. 3.5 kg) and dimensions of this publication, copies surviving with such a well-preserved original Mucha-designed cover are becoming increasingly scarce.
Seller's Story
I strive to find and offer you the most interesting items from Prague’s antiquarian bookstores and second-hand shops: autographs, rarities, photographs, bibliophilia, old prints, posters, maps, catalogs, high-quality or sold-out books, as well as fine art.
Prague has always been a meeting point of cultures and languages. Especially during the 20th century, Czechoslovakia was visited by numerous world-renowned artists, writers, scientists, and other notable figures who left their mark here and established connections with local culture or institutions. So the selection here will be rich in provenance — including German, French, English, Russian, or, for example, Italian.
However, I will also aim to highlight more or less well-known Czech artists and noteworthy items — of interest to collectors and art lovers, especially those passionate about autographs, fine art, and related fields.
Mucha, Alphonse- Letem českým světem - Iconic Art Nouveau Oblong Folio Binding - 1898
Condition:
The book is in overall very good and nicely preserved condition, and the emotional and tactile impression of this volume is truly beautiful. The original publisher's full-cloth binding shows only minor spotting, the corners of the boards are slightly rubbed and frayed, and the surface displays light light scratches, which is common for such a massive and heavy volume; all details and specific imperfections are fully documented in the attached photographs. The internal book block remains sound and tightly bound, the leaves carry a light natural patina, ensuring that Mucha's lithographed artwork on the front cover remains clean, bold, and visually striking.
This is an exceptionally rare and highly collectible monumental photo-book, “Letem českým světem” (A Flight Over the Czech World), published in Prague in 1898 by the prestigious publisher Jos. R. Vilímek. The large-format volume contains a comprehensive archive of 500 full-page black-and-white documentary photographs showcasing the historical architecture, landscapes, cities, and traditional folklore of Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia, and Slovakia at the close of the 19th century. The ultimate artistic and collector's value of this work lies in its iconic Art Nouveau full-cloth binding designed by the world-famous master Alphonse Mucha (1860–1939), with the front cover serving as one of Mucha's most celebrated achievements in applied book graphic design featuring his signature allegorical female figure.
The massive volume is printed in an oblong folio format (approx. 28.5 x 35.5 cm) on heavy, high-quality paper stock with detailed accompanying text descriptions for each depicted location. It is highly sought after on the international art market both as an important historical topographical source and, primarily, as a prime example of Art Nouveau book binding. Due to the substantial weight (approx. 3.5 kg) and dimensions of this publication, copies surviving with such a well-preserved original Mucha-designed cover are becoming increasingly scarce.
Seller's Story
I strive to find and offer you the most interesting items from Prague’s antiquarian bookstores and second-hand shops: autographs, rarities, photographs, bibliophilia, old prints, posters, maps, catalogs, high-quality or sold-out books, as well as fine art.
Prague has always been a meeting point of cultures and languages. Especially during the 20th century, Czechoslovakia was visited by numerous world-renowned artists, writers, scientists, and other notable figures who left their mark here and established connections with local culture or institutions. So the selection here will be rich in provenance — including German, French, English, Russian, or, for example, Italian.
However, I will also aim to highlight more or less well-known Czech artists and noteworthy items — of interest to collectors and art lovers, especially those passionate about autographs, fine art, and related fields.
Details
Number of books
1
Subject
Fine Bindings, History, Photography, Regional interest, Travels
Book title
Letem Českým Světem
Author/ Illustrator
Alphonse Mucha
Condition
Very good
Publication year oldest item
1898
Height
28.5 cm
Edition
1st Edition
Width
37 cm
Language
Czech
Original language
Yes
Publisher
Jos. R. Vilímek, Praha
Binding/ Material
Hardback
Number of pages
500
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