65 - [CARTOON] ALEXANDRE, Arsène. The Art of Laughter and Cartooning.

[CARTOON] ALEXANDRE, Arsène. The Art of Laughter and Cartooning. A fine copy in the publisher’s cardboard binding of this seminal study, enhanced by two autograph letters signed by the author. Paris, Librairie Imprimerie Réunies, n.d. [circa 1900]. In-4, publisher’s gray percaline cardboard binding, smooth spine with title in black, front cover illustrated with a drawing by Adolphe Willette featuring the title in gold and black, gilt headband; original front cover illustration by Willette also preserved. 350 pp. Numerous black-and-white and color reproductions, both in the text and as inserts. Spine slightly warped, minimal scuffing, paper slightly discolored at the margins, front cover (preserved) detached. Illustrated edition featuring 300 black-and-white facsimiles and 12 color plates based on the originals. It offers a rich visual panorama, bringing together the political power of Honoré Daumier’s lithographs, the social cynicism of Jean-Louis Forain, and the modernity of Toulouse-Lautrec’s posters for the Moulin Rouge. Arsène Alexandre (1859–1937), co-founder of the satirical newspaper *Le Rire*, draws here on his dual expertise as a journalist and art critic of the Belle Époque. Included are two autograph letters signed by Arsène Alexandre: - Autograph letter, 1 page on a double sheet in-8 with the printed “Le Rire” letterhead, March 25, 1895. Alexandre Arsène asks a colleague to include a mention in a column regarding the upcoming publication of his book dedicated to the sculptor Jean Carriès. - Author’s letter (L.A.S.), 1 page on a double-leaf in-8 sheet with the printed “Le Figaro” letterhead, November 26, 1915. He expresses his regret at being unable to accept his correspondent’s invitation and refers her to a colleague at *Le Figaro*, Émile Berr. Well-preserved publisher’s cardboard slipcase.