Paul d’Ivoi - JUD ALLAN (ROI DES « LADS ») - 1909

Magnificent publisher’s polychrome binding – Excentrique Voyages – Gilded edges – Illustrations by Louis Bombled

Paul d’Ivoi (Paul Deleutre, known as Paul d’Ivoi)

Jud Allan (King of the “Lads”)

Paris, Ancienne Librairie Furne, Boivin & Cie, editors, no date [circa 1909].

Grand quarto, about 480 pages, belonging to the famous Voyages excentriques collection, a remarkable set of adventure and imaginary travel novels by Paul d’Ivoi, in the great tradition of illustrated works of the Belle Époque.

Superb copy preserved in its spectacular publisher’s polychrome binding in red morocco leather, with historiated decoration and gilded edges.

A remarkable illustrated binding

The front cover presents a magnificent polychrome Belle Époque composition, particularly rich and lively, fusing a steam locomotive, a globe, several adventure-clad characters, and a monkey perched on a fantastical animal.

The title JUD ALLAN stands out in large gilded letters on a deep blue background, topped by a ribbon bearing the inscription “Voyages excentriques.”

The whole is framed by an elegant decorative design in red, blue, gold, green and orange tones.

The front cover bears the signature of the engraver J. Fau. Publisher’s binding executed by Engel, the famous industrial bindery workshop associated with the great illustrated productions of that era.

Spine in red morocco with gilded and polychrome compositions, with the title in large gilded letters, a standing figure and the publisher’s cartouche at the lower part.

Second cover in red morocco, adorned with a cold-stamped frame.

Very fine freshness of the decor, whose colors and gilding have retained a particularly appealing glow.

Abundant illustration by Louis Bombled

The work is illustrated from designs by Louis Bombled (1862-1927), a renowned painter and illustrator famed for his historical and military scenes and his adventure compositions.

The title page announces especially generous iconography:

- 95 in-text engravings
- 12 large unbound plates
- 8 unbound color plates

That is to say, 20 large unbound plates announced, in addition to the numerous illustrations integrated into the narrative.

The illustration, particularly expressive, accompanies the numerous adventures of the novel and testifies to the expertise of the great French illustrators at the turn of the 20th century.

A major classic of illustrated adventure fiction

The fifteenth title mentioned in the list of Voyages excentriques reproduced at the head of the volume, Jud Allan, sits within the bustling roman-à-clef universe of Paul d’Ivoi, blending extraordinary voyages, suspense, exotism, inventions and twists.

This collection, contemporary with the grand tradition of Jules Verne’s illustrated bindings, today constitutes a particularly appreciated ensemble by enthusiasts of vintage popular literature and fine illustrated books.

Condition

Very good overall state for this imposing illustrated binding of more than a century.

The front cover is distinguished by the remarkable preservation of its polychrome decoration: clear composition, bright colors and gilding well preserved. The spine also retains a very fine presentation, with its inscriptions and decorative figure.

Gilded edges with a striking glow.

The interior appears clean and well preserved, with pleasantly kept paper and engravings offering strong contrasts. Original blue-tinted flyleaves.

Some signs of wear and handling on the binding, notably at the extremities and on the second cover, as well as discreet old pencil annotations on a guard.

A particularly appealing copy for the quality of its historiated binding, the richness of its illustration, and its remarkable decorative aspect.

A beautiful collectible work, representative of the golden age of grand polychrome French bindings.