Ma République

Précédée d'un à-propos de l'Auteur. Seven plates, each in three states. 2 p.l., 150 pp., one leaf. Small 4to, orig. printed wrappers bound in cont. morocco, sides panelled in gilt, spine richly gilt, dentelles gilt, a.e.g., signed "Chambolle-Duru." Paris: L. Conquet & L. Carteret, 1902. Number 20 of 100 copies on Japan paper (of a total edition of 400 copies, none for sale); this is one of forty copies with the fine illustrations on seven plates, by Edmond Rudaux, each in three states. Our copy has been beautifully bound by Chambolle-Duru and bears a presentation inscription from the publisher to Maurice Quarré. Paul Lacroix (1806-84), was a French author and journalist, best known by his pseudonym P.L. Jacob or Bibliophile Jacob. Librarian of the Arsenal from 1855, he wrote many works and memoirs on book collectors and bibliography as well as numerous works of fiction. The present work is a charming account of the bouquinistes, the keepers of book shops, and the bibliomanes of Paris. Pages [45]-150 contain the imaginary adventures of "Bibliophile Jacob" in search of his copy of Bodin's République (Paris: 1580) during the French Revolution. Fine copy of a most handsome book, preserved in the original slipcase.