Molière / Jacques Leman - Les Plaisirs de l'île enchantée [ex. sur vélin avec suite en bistre] - 1888

Rare specimen on laid vellum from the thirteenth volume of this very beautiful edition, started in 1882 at Lemonnyer and completed in 1896 at Emile Testard, of the works of Molière.

This thirteenth volume chronologically presents a celebration held at Versailles, with one of the highlights being Molière's comedy: 'The Pleasures of the Enchanted Isle - Ring Race; Ornate Snack with Machines; Molière's comedy, titled the 'Princess of Elide', mixed with Dance and Music; Palace Ballet of Alcina; Fireworks, and other Festivities, gallant and magnificent, hosted by the King at Versailles on May 7, 1664, and continued for several other days.'

The illustration is by Jacques Leman (1829-1889), a history painter, portraitist, and illustrator. It consists of initials and other text ornaments (see photos) of remarkable finesse (copperplate etching), matching the meticulous work of typography, all enhanced by wide white margins. The full-page compositions are presented in two states (sepia and black).

Justification: special print run for enthusiasts of 1,000 copies: 125 in Japan, 75 in China, 200 on velin at the vat, and 600 on Hollande's vergé.
- Our unnumbered copy, on Vélin à la cuve paper (with the illustrations in two states).

Paperback, printed cover. - Spine partially split (solid volume) with micro-tears at the ends of the first hinge. Interior fresh. Former donation manuscript on the first endpaper. Good copy, untrimmed.

Molière / Jacques Leman
The Pleasures of the Enchanted Island [on vellum with a bistre suite]
Paris, published by Emile Testard et Cie, 1888
In-4 (33 x 25.5 cm); 179 pages. 1 leaf.