François Mauriac / Paulette Humbert - Genitrix. 19 lithographies de Paulette Humbert. [Reliure Art Déco] - 1927

First illustrated edition of the famous novel by François Mauriac, adorned with 19 lithographs by Paulette Humbert (1904-1994).

Rebound in a superb Art Deco binding (unsigned), in full ebony black calfskin, decorated on the front cover with a geometric pattern of gold fillets and cold-pressed lines, with the title in gold letters at the center. The rounded spine is adorned with the author's name and the title in gold letters, with a border frame surrounding the endpapers, and a gilded top edge. Comes with a matching slipcase.
Covers and spine preserved.

Edition of 1015 copies, this one on Rives paper, numbered 794.

In excellent condition despite discreet scratches on the case and some almost invisible marks on the second cover. Interior impeccable. A fine example.

Summary: Félicité, an exclusive mother, and Fernand, a submissive son, form a close-knit couple. However, Fernand succumbs to his neighbor Mathilde's advances and marries her, despite his mother's threats. Ultimately, he returns to live with his mother, while Mathilde, a victim of a miscarriage, will die alone.

François Mauriac / Paulette Humbert
Genitrix. 19 lithographs by Paulette Humbert.
Paris, Les Arts et le Livre (Literary Prize Collection), 1927.
in-8 (22x17 cm); 182 pages