Le Colonel Chabert. Numbered Edition, Limited Edition

RARE LIMITED FIRST SEPARATE CALMANN LÉVY EDITION.An exceptional, highly collectible copy of Balzac’s masterpiece, Le Colonel Chabert, published in Paris in 1886. Limitation & Paper: This copy is Number 211 of a strict, highly limited edition of only 225 numbered copies printed on premium, luxury papier vélin du Marais. 8vo. 176 pp. Features & Illustrations: Complete with a beautiful engraved frontispiece portrait of Honoré de Balzac and six exquisite text compositions by Charles Édouard Delort, finely engraved by Boisson. Includes the comprehensive historical character index (Répertoire de La Comédie Humaine) complete at the rear. Beautifully preserved within this rare volume which remains entirely in its original publisher's paper wrappers. The illustrator for this prestigious 1886 edition of Le Colonel Chabert is the French academic painter Charles Édouard Delort (1841–1895). He created 6 specific textual compositions for this luxury print run, which include intricate headpieces, tailpieces, and full-page scene plates. While Delort drew and painted the original artwork layouts, his compositions were masterfully translated onto metal printing plates by the specialized French engraver Léon Boisson. Condition: A wonderfully preserved example remaining entirely in its original publisher’s tan paper wrappers (couverture d'origine) with wide, untrimmed margins (non rogné), just as it left the print shop over 140 years ago. The fragile paper spine and wrappers are remarkably intact with only light, natural age toning and minor edge wear. Clean, crisp text throughout with excellent impression. Currently housed in a loose clear protective wrap to preserve the fragile paper covers. A stellar, unblemished volume perfect for collectors of fine 19th-century French literature and bibliophiles alike. Please view all the images for further reference. Registered postage. Tracking details will be forwarded to the purchaser. …