Tartarin of Tarascon

New York: The Limited Editions Club [printed by Richard W. Ellis at The Georgian Press], 1930. Limited Edition. Hardcover. Fine/near fine. Dwiggins, W.A.. One of 1500 copies, sixmo size, 303 pp., signed by W.A. Dwiggins, in glassine wrappers and with slipcase. The LEC publication of this novel (originallly published in 1872) is graced by having been both designed by W.A. Dwiggins, as well as containing his illustrations (line drawings).

William Addison Dwiggins (1880-1956) was a man of many talents: he became known first for his work as an illustrator and a commercial artist, and then entering into type and book design. "His work can be described as ornamented and geometric, similar to the Art Moderne and Art Deco styles of the period, using Oriental influences and breaking from the more antiquarian styles of his colleagues and mentors Updike, Cleland and Goudy" (n.b., quote from Wiki).

___DESCRIPTION: Two volumes (complete), bound in decorated paper (also designed by Dwiggins) over boards with a black cloth shelfback, the spines richly decorated and lettered in gilt, fore- and bottom edges uncut, the line drawings by Dwiggins throughout; monotype Baskerville on Praga handmade paper (Czechoslovakia), sixmo size (6 1/8" by 4 1/2"), pagination: Vol. I, [i-iv] v-xxv [3] [1-2] 3-96; Vol. II, [i-iv] [97-98] 99-263 [3] [1, colophon] [1, blank] [3, list of LEC publications to date]; limited edition of 1500 sets, this no. 499, signed by Dwiggins at the colophon. With the publisher's scarce glassine wrappers and the original box, the box covered in light red laid paper with a paper spine label with light red lettering, limitation number written at the tail of the spine.

___CONDITION: Volumes fine overall, the spines unworn and the gilt lettering and decorations exceptionally bright, with clean boards, straight corners without rubbing, strong, square text blocks with solid hinges, the interiors clean and bright; both volumes very slightly cocked, on the front free endpaper of both volumes are the remnants of a small label (likely an Ex-Libris). The glassine wrappers near fine, clean and with only minor edgewear; the slipcase better than very good, strong and sturdy, without splits or tears and free of edgewear; minor overall dustiness and sunning to the box and the label.

___CITATION: LEC Bibliography, no. 9.

___POSTAGE: International customers, please note that additional postage may apply as the standard does not always cover costs; please inquire for details.

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