THE SONG OF ROLAND — Jean de Bonnot, 1975 — Special edition, - Lot 154

THE SONG OF ROLAND — Jean de Bonnot, 1975 — Special edition, signed first copy [ANONYMOUS]. The Song of Roland. Original text transcribed by Francisque Michel, based on the manuscript held at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, with an adaptation into modern French by Catherine Petit. Illustrations based on the tapestry known as the Tapestry of Queen Matilda, held at the Bayeux Museum. Paris, Jean de Bonnot, 1975. 1 in-8 volume of 444 pages, publisher’s midnight blue full leather binding, covers richly cold-stamped with a medieval design inspired by a stained-glass window from Chartres Cathedral, smooth spine adorned with multiple gilded scenes of chivalry, gilded title, gilded headpiece, laid paper. This edition presents the Old French text alongside its adaptation into modern French, lavishly illustrated with designs taken from the Bayeux Tapestry. The commercial bibliography confirms the 444 pages, the midnight blue full leather binding, and the cover decoration inspired by a Chartres stained-glass window. “SPECIAL EDITION—FIRST PRINTING” accompanied by Jean de Bonnot’s handwritten signature. This is indeed a documented feature of this edition: other first-edition copies from 1975 are specifically described as signed by Jean de Bonnot. Printing completed on November 16, 1975; legal deposit in the first quarter of 1976. A very fine copy. The binding is particularly fresh, with the blue leather retaining a deep, even color. Very fine embossed decorations on the covers. The gilt lettering on the spine is remarkably well-preserved. Only very slight signs of wear from handling. The interior is very fresh and clean.