One of the rare copies on China paper, the exact print run of which is unknown, not published for sale.
Carteret (III, p. 52) estimates the print run at 25 copies: “This book is regarded as Gustave Doré’s masterpiece of illustration. It is prized for its pleasing format and the quality of its varied and abundant illustrations […]. The impressions are very fine, thanks to the quality of the China paper, which takes printing beautifully; the high prices these rare copies command justify their status as deluxe copies and first printings.”
Brivois notes that almost the entire edition was sold to Delahays, who, after having covers printed with his own name, sold the edition at a discount. Once it was exhausted, Garnier frères had a new printing made bearing the statement “sixth edition,” of which a few copies (title in red and black) were printed on China paper with the name of M. Caen, bookseller, under the date MDCCCLXI.
The work is illustrated throughout with 425 compositions, vignettes and large wood engravings. A whole array of engravers contributed to the execution of the illustrations, prompting Henri Béraldi to say that “every book lover has a particular devotion to the Contes drolatiques, and that of all Doré’s works, if only one were to survive, it would be this one! It is a masterpiece in which every vignette is a discovery.”
A fine copy in a binding by Bretault, complete with the covers and spine of the original wrappers. The copy has been washed and the first 70 leaves are felted. Light dampstaining to several leaves.
From the library of Jacques Crépineau (bookplate).