France / Rochegrosse - Thaïs [Tirage à 1200 Exemplaires] - 1909

A refined edition of one of Anatole France’s (1844–1924) masterpieces, embellished with compositions by the painter and illustrator Georges Rochegrosse. This is the historical novel set in late antique Egypt that also inspired Jules Massenet’s opera of the same name.

A fine edition printed in a limited run of 1,200 copies in total: this copy is from the issue on vélin d’Arches paper (copy no. 849).

Anatole France, Thaïs. Quinze compositions dont un frontispice en couleurs par Georges Rochegrosse, Paris, Librairie des Amateurs, A. Ferroud - F. Ferroud, 1909.

PP.: (IV), 229, (III). COMPLETE.

Copy in overall very good condition, with the usual signs of use and age. The original publisher’s wrappers have been preserved inside. Dampstaining to the half-title and the final two leaves.

Fine contemporary “mosaic” binding in half red morocco, with the title, author, year, and an elegant floral motif tooled in gold on the spine; very well preserved. Marbled endpapers, gilt top edge.

The front endpaper bears the inscription: “Rel. exécutée pour la lib. Louis Conard”. Louis Conard (1867–1944) was a famous French bookseller who had part of his fine editions bound for his wealthier customers, entrusting this high-quality work to leading binding workshops of the period, such as those of Georges Canape and Émile Carayon.