LOVELY SET OF THE MASTERPIECES OF GEORGE SAND, RICHLY ILLUSTRATED WITH THE PLATES IN DOUBLE-SUITE

SAND, George. The Masterpieces of George Sand Now for the First Time Completely Translated into English. Printed Only For Subscribers. Philadelphia: George Barrie & Sons, (1900-02). Twenty volumes. Octavo, contemporary three-quarter black morocco gilt, raised bands, marbled boards and endpapers, top edges gilt, uncut. $4500.

"Japan Vellum Edition" of Sand's most famous works, number 154 of only 1000 sets printed on Japan vellum and profusely illustrated with 125 photogravures, each illustration in two states: one in black on India proof paper and mounted, and one in bistre on Japan etching paper (frontispieces finely hand-colored).

Several of the works included are here translated for the first time into English. Many of the author's introductions to first and important later editions are included, as well as a memoir of Sand by J. Alfred Burgan. This exquisite set includes 125 illustrated plates by noted artists of the day, including Adrien Moreau and J.B. Graff. "French illustration of the Belle Epoque had an international vogue… the most spectacular example of this French influence was the firm of George Barrie and Son of Philadelphia… Robert Barrie scoured Paris in the 1890's to find illustrations for the thousands of plates which his firm employed in its editions" (Ray, The Art of the French Illustrated Book, 377). The illustrations in each volume are presented in two suites: one "India proof" printed in black, mounted on Japanese vellum paper; one on Japanese etching-paper, in bistre; the frontispieces feature the latter state finely hand-colored.

A beautiful set in fine condition.