57 - BÉCAT (Paul-Émile) and GÉRALDY (Paul). You and Me. Drypoint engravings by P.E. Bécat.

BÉCAT (Paul-Émile) and GÉRALDY (Paul). You and Me. Drypoint engravings by P.E. Bécat. A remarkable copy in marbled morocco leather by Marius Magnin, containing an original color drawing signed by Paul-Émile Bécat, an inked copperplate print (inserted into the lining), and a suite with notes on old Japanese paper. Paris, Les heures claires, 1947. In-4 (190x250 mm), teal morocco, covers adorned with a geometric design embossed in relief, gilded, and inlaid with red ochre morocco, consisting of intertwined waves with gilded dots along the edges; smooth spine decorated in the same manner with the title embossed in relief, gilded fillet on the edges, the same design repeated along the edges of the endpapers with the bookbinder’s signature in gold lettering, blue moiré silk endpapers and linings with a copper insert in the first lining, double endpapers, gilded head on the headbands, covers, and spine, case edged (Marius Magnin). 151 pages, 1 frontispiece, and 32 drypoint engravings by Paul-Émile Bécat placed at the head of each poem, numerous tailpieces, text set within a double blue border. Spine very slightly faded, half-title tab somewhat fragile, minor scuffs on the edges of the slipcase. A splendid edition of this collection of intimate and passionate verses, a major success by the French poet Paul Géraldy (1885–1983), adorned with exquisite illustrations, some of which are erotic, by the French painter, engraver, and draftsman Paul-Émile Bécat (1885–1960). This is the first—and rarest—version of the illustrations by P.-E. Bécat, who illustrated this text a second time in 1958. Limited edition of 421 copies; this one is one of 32 copies on Rives paper (No. 23), following one on Japanese paper, containing an original signed color drawing by Paul-Émile Bécat, the inked copperplate of the original drawing (inserted into the endpaper), and a set of notes on old Japanese paper. A magnificent binding signed by the talented Lyon-based bookbinder Marius Magnin (1860–1953).