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12 original parts, 4to (260 × 175 mm), pp. 428; 328, plus general titles and preliminaries to vols. 6 and 12, supplements (usually adverts) on inferior paper preserved at the end of each part plus additional loosely inserted supplements and two large folding blue grained paper sheets, decoratively printed in gold intended as covers for binding the 12 parts in two volumes. Numerous plates and illustrations in a variety of media. Uncut in the original colour printed wrappers. All wrappers fragile, particularly at spines, some with covers detatched (but all present) and additional fraying, sometimes with minor loss. An entirely unsophiticated copy preserving all the original additional materials frequently discarded in binding.
L’Art et l’Idée was the third of Uzanne’s three serial reviews devoted to contemporary aesthetics and bibliophily (the others were Le Livre: Bibliographie Moderne, 1880-9 and Le Livre Moderne, 1890-91). It is lavishly produced, with regular copies (like this one) on ‘papier vélin’ and including plates on coloured paper, complex mise-en-page and fragile paper wrappers. The review champions the cult of bibliophily at a time of massive techological change in the publishing industry and upheavals in aesthetic priorities and is full of examples of various photo-mechanical reproductions of graphic designs, of books, posters, periodicals and domestic interiors.
Uzanne intended the 12 parts to be bound into two powder blue and gilt volumes, and supplied the necessary wrappers. Many copies were indeed bound in two volumes, but not in the delicate form he envisaged and usually in leather or cloth. Many of the ephemeral adverts and supplements seem to have been discarded. This copy, fragile as it is, is a fascinating record of the publisher’s intentions.
Uzanne intended the 12 parts to be bound into two powder blue and gilt volumes, and supplied the necessary wrappers. Many copies were indeed bound in two volumes, but not in the delicate form he envisaged and usually in leather or cloth. Many of the ephemeral adverts and supplements seem to have been discarded. This copy, fragile as it is, is a fascinating record of the publisher’s intentions.
£700.00
