Almanach illustré du Père Ubu (XXe siècle)

Conceived as a genuine almanac, the Almanach opens, as it must, with the calendar for the new year (the volume is almost certainly the very first book of the century, printed on January 1, 1901) and was produced in a deluxe edition — a first for Jarry. This collaboration between Jarry, Bonnard and Vollard took shape in the basement of the influential dealer’s gallery (also the anonymous publisher of the almanac), who had begun designing luxurious illustrated books to promote contemporary artists. His first such project had appeared the previous year: Paul Verlaine’s Parallèlement, a showcase for Bonnard’s sensual lithographs.

The work would be nicknamed the “grand almanach,” in contrast to the smaller one published at the end of December 1898. The print run for this almanac did not exceed 1,000 copies, but the anticipated success never materialized.

Three years later, Jarry wrote to Terrasse: “Palotin Sylvain Lévi, professor at the Collège de France, approached me to obtain the almanac: I sent him one as a pure gift, and so now have only seven hundred and ninety-nine… and a few more.” (in OC, I, 1077, 12 February 1902). Fanciful as the figure may be, it is perhaps not far from the truth.

The deluxe-paper issue is of exceptional rarity: 25 copies on Japanese paper, followed by 25 on Hollande, each with an extra suite.

A copy in perfect condition, as issued.