KAZANTZAKI (Nikos). — The Odyssey. Paris, Éditions Richelieu - Lot 149

KAZANTZAKI (Nikos). — The Odyssey. Paris, Éditions Richelieu and Librairie Plon, 1968–1969. 2 large folio volumes (approx. 31 cm), 453 and 445 pp. French translation by Jacqueline Moatti. Illustrated edition featuring 48 original color lithographs, created by André Cottavoz, Paul Guiramand, André Minaux, and Walter Spitzer, each of whom illustrated six cantos. The lithographs were printed on Fernand Mourlot’s presses. The work was set and printed in the workshops of the Imprimerie nationale. First French-language edition of this extensive modern continuation of Homer’s *Odyssey*, a major work by Nikos Kazantzakis. The BnF provides a detailed description of this two-volume edition published in 1968–1969 by Richelieu and Plon. One of 2,400 copies on Sirène vellum from the Arjomari paper mills, numbered from 401 to 2,800; this one is no. 550. The total print run also includes 10 copies on pearlescent Japon paper, 50 on Arches vellum with color plates, 350 on Arches vellum with one color plate, as well as 40 non-commercial copies. A truly beautiful typographic achievement: cantos XIII through XXIV were set in the Grandjean typeface known as the “Romain du Roi,” a typeface engraved in 1694 by order of Louis XIV. Printing was completed on January 16, 1969, at the Imprimerie nationale. Publisher’s bindings: red half-leather with unbleached cloth corners and covers; front covers embossed with a large, classical-inspired design, with the author’s name and title gilded; smooth red leather spines adorned with gilded wave motifs and a gilded galley. A beautiful, complete copy of both volumes. Some scuffing and minor wear to the spines, headbands, and clasps, more pronounced on the second volume; the cloth has a few small stains and soiling. Pages are fresh. Slipcases are damaged.