LUCIUS OF PATRAS — *The Luciade* or *The Donkey*. Translated - Lot 180

LUCIUS OF PATRAS — *The Luciade* or *The Donkey*. Translated from Lucius of Patras by Paul-Louis Courier. Drypoint engravings by Maurice Leroy. Paris, Éditions du Mouflon, 1945. In-4 (approx. 28.5 × 23 cm), loose-leaf, with a filled cover printed in black and blue, the publisher’s cardboard slipcase covered in blue embossed paper with title labels printed on the front cover and spine. 118 pp. A beautiful bibliophile edition illustrated with 17 original drypoint engravings by Maurice Leroy, including 12 full-page plates and 5 within the text. The engravings were printed by Padovani. The book was set in original Caslon, size 20, and printed by Pelamourgue. The print run is strictly limited to 700 copies, distributed as follows: 1 Imperial Japan edition with suites, original drawing, and copperplate; 2 Imperial Japan editions; 15 Pannekoek laid Holland paper editions; 150 Mouflon watermarked vellum editions; 500 sheets of Arches vellum; and finally, 32 non-commercial copies on various papers. One of the 500 copies on Arches vellum, specifically No. 634. The copy retains its light blue publisher’s cardboard slipcase, which is a nice touch. The drypoint engravings are clearly visible in the photographs and appear to have retained beautiful blacks and good margins. The interior appears very fresh, with wide margins and well-preserved paper. Very good interior condition. Clean and fresh pages, very few visible foxing spots on the images; drypoint engravings in fine condition. The cover is in fair condition: the blue paper is scuffed and soiled, with wear on the spine and edges, rounded corners, and fairly significant losses to the cap edges, particularly at the top. The title labels are preserved but slightly soiled.