Louis Moland; Gustave Doré - Oeuvres de Rabelais - 1873

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Simone Grunau
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Estimate  € 280 - € 330
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Description from the seller

Monumental two-volume first edition (Édition originale) of the collected works "Œuvres de Rabelais", published in Paris in 1873 by the famous publisher Garnier Frères. This exceptionally comprehensive and highly valued set features texts collated according to the original editions, supplemented by a biography of the author, extensive notes, and a glossary compiled by Louis Moland. The bibliographical authenticity of this first edition is securely confirmed both by the original publisher's address on the title pages (6, Rue des Saints-Pères) and the precise page count, with the first volume containing the complete introductory material and 584 pages of main text, while the second volume completes the masterwork with an additional 630 pages.

The crowning glory of both large-format volumes is the complete, masterful artistic accompaniment by the genius French illustrator Gustave Doré. The edition includes a total of 60 full-page wood engravings (xylographies), including the frontispiece portrait, printed as separate plates on thick paper, along with 626 detailed black-and-white illustrations, grotesque vignettes, and decorative initials within the text. The set is housed in elegant contemporary brown half-leather bindings with corners, combined with marbled boards and richly gilt-decorated spines with raised bands.

Condition: The spines of the bindings are scuffed (see photos), and there is some minor light soiling in places; otherwise, the set is in a very nice, clean, and well-preserved condition. Overall, these are two very beautiful and impressive volumes!

The books will be very carefully packaged and shipped promptly via a reliable international courier.

Seller's Story

We are a partnership of three established antiquarian bookshops in Prague: Antikvariát Radhošťská, Antikvariát Dlážděná, and Antikvariát Vltavín. Together, we bring decades of experience in sourcing, researching, and handling rare books, prints, maps, manuscripts, graphic art, photographs, and other historical and collectible objects. Our material comes from private collections, family estates, libraries, and long-standing contacts throughout the Czech Republic and Central Europe. We are particularly passionate about antiquarian and collectible books, fine prints, Prague-related material, art publications, bibliofilia, early editions, historical documents, and unique objects with cultural or historical significance. Alongside books, we regularly offer graphic art, old maps, posters, and carefully selected collectibles that we believe deserve an international audience. Every lot is individually chosen for its quality, rarity, historical interest, or visual appeal. We strive to provide accurate descriptions, careful research, and secure professional packaging to ensure that each item reaches its new owner safely. From the heart of Prague, we are delighted to share the rich cultural heritage of Central Europe with collectors around the world.

Monumental two-volume first edition (Édition originale) of the collected works "Œuvres de Rabelais", published in Paris in 1873 by the famous publisher Garnier Frères. This exceptionally comprehensive and highly valued set features texts collated according to the original editions, supplemented by a biography of the author, extensive notes, and a glossary compiled by Louis Moland. The bibliographical authenticity of this first edition is securely confirmed both by the original publisher's address on the title pages (6, Rue des Saints-Pères) and the precise page count, with the first volume containing the complete introductory material and 584 pages of main text, while the second volume completes the masterwork with an additional 630 pages.

The crowning glory of both large-format volumes is the complete, masterful artistic accompaniment by the genius French illustrator Gustave Doré. The edition includes a total of 60 full-page wood engravings (xylographies), including the frontispiece portrait, printed as separate plates on thick paper, along with 626 detailed black-and-white illustrations, grotesque vignettes, and decorative initials within the text. The set is housed in elegant contemporary brown half-leather bindings with corners, combined with marbled boards and richly gilt-decorated spines with raised bands.

Condition: The spines of the bindings are scuffed (see photos), and there is some minor light soiling in places; otherwise, the set is in a very nice, clean, and well-preserved condition. Overall, these are two very beautiful and impressive volumes!

The books will be very carefully packaged and shipped promptly via a reliable international courier.

Seller's Story

We are a partnership of three established antiquarian bookshops in Prague: Antikvariát Radhošťská, Antikvariát Dlážděná, and Antikvariát Vltavín. Together, we bring decades of experience in sourcing, researching, and handling rare books, prints, maps, manuscripts, graphic art, photographs, and other historical and collectible objects. Our material comes from private collections, family estates, libraries, and long-standing contacts throughout the Czech Republic and Central Europe. We are particularly passionate about antiquarian and collectible books, fine prints, Prague-related material, art publications, bibliofilia, early editions, historical documents, and unique objects with cultural or historical significance. Alongside books, we regularly offer graphic art, old maps, posters, and carefully selected collectibles that we believe deserve an international audience. Every lot is individually chosen for its quality, rarity, historical interest, or visual appeal. We strive to provide accurate descriptions, careful research, and secure professional packaging to ensure that each item reaches its new owner safely. From the heart of Prague, we are delighted to share the rich cultural heritage of Central Europe with collectors around the world.

Details

Number of books
2
Subject
Illustrated, Literature
Book title
Oeuvres de Rabelais
Author/ Illustrator
Louis Moland; Gustave Doré
Condition
Good
Publication year oldest item
1873
Height
33 cm
Edition
Illustrated Edition
Width
27 cm
Language
French
Original language
Yes
Publisher
Garnier Frères
Binding/ Material
Half leather
Number of pages
1214
Czech RepublicVerified
pro

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