110 - [CIRCUS]. LE ROUX, Hugues. Circus Games and Fairground Life.

[CIRCUS]. LE ROUX, Hugues. Circus Games and Fairground Life. First edition of one of the finest visual and literary accounts of the golden age of the circus and street arts in France, illustrated with approximately 200 engravings by Jules Garnier. A fine copy in a mosaic binding by David, enhanced with a signed autograph letter from the author. Paris, E. Plon, Nourrit et Cie, n.d. [1889]. In-4 (290 x 220 mm), brick-red half-maroquin with corners edged in gold fillet, plain spine adorned with a mosaic design on the theme of the circus, composed of two medallion motifs (a bust of Pierrot and an acrobat balancing on a star-patterned sphere of midnight blue morocco leather resting on a brown morocco leather tripod), the author’s name, title, and gilded floral garlands on a brown morocco background, gilded head on endpapers, color-illustrated covers and spine preserved (contemporary binding, signed David). Vol. V, 250 pp., approximately 200 engravings by Jules Garnier within the text, most in color. Slight scuffing and discoloration on the leather. First edition of this important monograph on the circus and fairground life, adorned with approximately 200 engravings by Jules Garnier within the text, most in color, depicting scenes from the ring, portraits, or sketches from life. Contents: Animal Trainers, Tamer, Equestrians, the Racetrack, Balancing Act Performers, Gymnastics Instructors, Clowns, Private Circuses. This copy is accompanied by an autograph letter signed by the author (1 page, in-12 format, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, 47 rue de Poissy, June 30, 1902): "My dear friend, I love the great poet Haraucourt with all my heart, and I would be delighted if he would join me in mocking the literary crowd. Warm regards, Hugues le Roux." A very fine copy in a mosaic binding by David.