Le Livre de Demain.
(Blois): R. Marchand, 1884. 5 1/2 x 9. Complete in 44 gatherings (over 400 pages). After the Errata, there is bound in the uncommon 4-page ''Avis/Tarif" on pink paper. An update for Subscribers, it states that the original plan of 200 pages has expanded to some 400 pages. And there will be no second edition.
Bound by G. Mercier (1912) in aubergine morocco gilt, with inlaid green branches & yellow lemons; wide turn-ins, and embroidered silk endpapers & marbled endpapers; in a coordinating slip case. The original printed wraps are bound in. De Rochas' work was issued in wraps as Subscribers were expected to provide a "reliure définitive." Perfect condition.
Provenance: Gustave Mouravit (author of works about bibliophiles & rare books). "Gustave Mouravit (1840-1920) was an influential notary in Aix-en-Provence, known for being the notary for Paul Cézanne's family.A learned bibliophile, he was also a member of the Academy of Sciences, Agriculture, Arts, and Letters of Aix, where he delivered an acceptance speech in 1885. His library is highly regarded among collectors." (AI & Google Translate). Bound at the rear are specimens of printing and letters from his colleagues at the Academy. Item #14377
This "Book of Tomorrow" is no. 47 of 250 copies, signed by De Rochas and the publisher Raoul Marchand. A wonderful production designed to portray the potential of paper, ink, color, graphic arts and and typography through over 44 different presentations of balancing these elements. Printed on as many different papers in a variety of colors, weights and textures. Almost every page is printed in at least two colors with the text block enclosed in an attractive typographic border of one or two contrasting colors. There are several engravings, silhouettes, and photo-lithographs done for this work. The last principal fascicle contains 10 paper samples from papyrus to Chinese and Japanese papers. With a table of contents identifying the text (generally contemporary prose or poetry with several pieces done specifically for this publication), paper and page count for each fascicle.
De Rochas created his specimens at a time when a similar impetus toward higher quality printing was occurring in England and the U. S. However, he appears to have done so independently, and to have been unaware of the Printers' Specimen Exchange or of Harpel's two publications of a similar nature.
Price: $5,250.00