Remy de Gourmont - Lettres à l'Amazone [1/13 de tête sur Japon] - 1917

Rare deluxe copy printed on Imperial Japan paper (print run of the head copy, restricted to only 12 copies), dedicated to the famous and mystical love between Remy de Gourmont and the American poet Natalie Clifford Barney, the “Amazon”.
Bibliographic description
Author: Remy de Gourmont (1858-1915), a major figure of Symbolism and the Mercure de France.
Title: Lettres à l'Amazone.
Edition: Paris, Mercure de France, 1914. Volume in octavo (19.5 x 12.5 cm).
Deluxe print run: Copy No. 9, one of the very rare 12 copies on Imperial Japan paper.
Illustrations: Includes a photographic frontispiece out of text (view of the “Temple of Friendship” in Natalie Clifford Barney's garden, Rue Jacob) and a folding facsimile reproduction of a handwritten autograph letter by the author.
Binding
Period binding in half red/burgundy morocco with cornerpieces.
Spine with false raised bands underscored by blind-ruled compartments and gilt lettering.
Boards and endpapers in marbled paper with multicolored painted motifs. Gilded top edge, covers preserved.
Condition
Binding: Noticeable wear to the back. The leather is heavily flaked (epidermises) along the spine, raised cords and headpieces with small losses of leather (see photos). Structure and joints nevertheless solid.
Interior: Excellent condition. Imperial Japan paper of great fineness and remarkable freshness, free of foxing.
A piece of exceptional bibliophilic rarity for lovers of the Symbolist movement and the Mercure de France, warranting possible restoration of the binding.