137 - CERVANTES (Miguel de).

CERVANTES (Miguel de). The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha. Translated and annotated by Louis Viardot. Illustrations by Tony JOHANNOT. 2 large 8vo volumes bound in full red morocco of the period, smooth spines with gilt rocaille metalwork and romantic decoration, covers adorned with a wide gilt rocaille plaque set within several gilt border lines, edges gilt. Includes 2 frontispiece titles, 2 separate illustrations, and 800 woodcut vignettes based on Tony Johannot’s designs. Text framed by a double black border. Paris: Dubochet, 1836–1837 (FIRST EDITION). Autograph letter from Tony Johannot to the publisher Curmer, pasted before the half-title page. Scattered foxing; otherwise, VERY BEAUTIFUL COPIES. Ref.: Brivois, pp. 90; Carteret III, p. 136: “One of the most beautiful illustrated books of the 19th century, illustrated by Johannot.” The first printing of this work can be identified by the illustration on page 256 of Volume 1, in which the figure is facing to the right, whereas in the reprint, the figure is facing to the left.