"An attractive and highly decorative interwar French literary collection issued in the charming "Scripta Manent" series under the direction of Constantin Castéra, published in Paris circa 1930s. This mixed lot includes finely produced small-format French classics and literary works in matching period leather and marbled bindings, each with decorative illustrated title pages and individually numbered "Exemplaire" limitation pages. The collection presents beautifully on the shelf with varied coloured spines, gilt decoration and striking Art Deco influenced typography and design throughout. These volumes were produced as elegant collector's editions intended for cultured private libraries during the early twentieth century.
This collection includes the following titles: Zadig Ou La Destinée by Voltaire; La Princesse de Babylone by Voltaire; Le Roman de Jehan de Paris Roi de France (anonymous medieval French romance); Lysistrata by Aristophane; Paul Et Virginie by Bernardin de Saint-Pierre; and Tarass Boulba by Nicolas Gogol. Published by the Scripta Manent series, Paris, c1930s. Individual copies are numbered examples including No. 1760, 897, 1353, 1783, 1958 and 2309 respectively. Bound in matching leather or leather-backed marbled bindings with decorative gilt spine tooling and marbled paper-covered boards. A visually cohesive and highly displayable literary set combining Enlightenment satire, classical drama, romantic fiction and Russian historical literature.
Condition is generally very good for age with attractive shelf presence throughout. Some volumes display rubbing, fading, scuffing and marks to bindings, particularly to the marbled boards and spine leather as photographed. Interiors appear clean and well preserved with decorative title pages remaining bright and attractive. A wonderful decorative and collectible French literary library lot ideal for lovers of classic European literature, Art Deco book design, French publishing history and decorative antique bindings."
