128 - GRANDVILLE. Scenes from the Private and Public Lives of Animals.

GRANDVILLE. Scenes from the Private and Public Lives of Animals. Paris, J. Hetzel, 1842. In-8 (26 x 17 cm), green half-shagreen, title and volume number gilt on the spine. Contemporary binding. 2 vols.: 386 pp. – 390 pp.; numerous插图 plates (uncollated) Scuffs and scratches on the bindings. First edition of one of Grandville’s most famous illustrated books: numerous plates, including 2 frontispieces, and woodcut vignettes within the text. "This famous publication needs no introduction—a satire on contemporary Parisian society during the July Monarchy, the project of which was spearheaded by Hetzel, who, under the pseudonym Stahl, authored several texts and commissioned works from the most celebrated writers of the era: Balzac, Musset, Sand, La Bedollière... The final chapter recounts the imprisonment of the various writers, who can be seen in various locations in the Jardin des Plantes. One of Grandville’s great works of imagination, full of verve and fantasy.” A fine copy, in very fresh condition throughout.