Paul Géraldy / Berthold-Mahn - Toi et Moi — Le Prélude — Aimer, illustrations de Berthold-Mahn - 1942

GÉRALDY (Paul). Toi et Moi — Le Prélude — Aimer. Illustrations by Berthold-Mahn.
Lausanne, Éditions du Bibliophile, 1942. Three volumes: 170, 157 and 163 pp.

Illustrated edition uniting three works by Paul Géraldy, in a bibliophilic presentation that combines two-tone printing with color illustrations by Berthold-Mahn. The titles and green typographic ornaments, the wide margins and the airy layout of the compositions give the whole a strong unity.

Toi et Moi develops, in the form of familiar poems and confidences, the nuances of romantic love. Aimer transfers the analysis of affective relations to the theater, while Le Prélude extends this exploration of intimate life into prose. Their pairing thus offers three complementary approaches to Géraldy’s cherished themes: love, dialogue of the couple, and the fragility of feelings.

The illustrations by Berthold-Mahn accompany this world of conversations and discreet emotions: female characters, couples and interior scenes, treated in a delicate palette. The color compositions sit directly on the page and contribute to the atmosphere of each volume.

The announced edition size is 2,300 copies: 200 on Annam-tinted vélin, 700 on Rives vélin, and 1,400 on Lafuma plain-fil Vélin. The Toi et Moi copy bears the number 912, belonging to the latter category.

Green half-leather, smooth backs, presented in slipcases with marbled boards and backs titled in gold. A matching set of three volumes, preserving the elegant presentation of this illustrated edition.

Condition: significant wear to the backs of the slipcases, with cracking, discoloration and superficial losses of material, particularly on Le Prélude; rubbing at the edges and ends. The bindings also show leather wear. Some foxing and sporadic stains; the pages and photographed illustrations remain fresh and legible.