186 - LAURENS (Paul-Albert) and GAUTIER (Théophile). *La Morte amoureuse*. Illustrations by P.-A. Laurens, engraved in color by Eugène Decisy.

LAURENS (Paul-Albert) and GAUTIER (Théophile). *La Morte amoureuse*. Illustrations by P.-A. Laurens, engraved in color by Eugène Decisy. A remarkable copy on Japanese paper, containing three states of the illustrations by Paul-Albert Laurens, in a sumptuous binding lined with Chambolle-Duru leather. Paris, A. Romagnol, Librairie de la Collection des Dix, 1904. In-8 (180x275 mm), full chocolate morocco, geometric border decoration on the covers, consisting of gilded fleurons and three green morocco bands outlined in gold fillet, two of which intersect, spine with gold-filleted raised bands decorated in the same style, double gold fillet on the edges, interior edging in the same morocco leather, green morocco linings adorned with a rich gilded grotesque design and the signature “Chambolle-Duru,” brown silk endpapers, double half-leaves, gilt edges on endpapers, original covers preserved (the front cover illustrated), edged slipcase (Chambolle-Duru) 78 pages, 25 illustrations by Paul-Albert Laurens, etched in color by Eugène Decisy, including a cover vignette, a title vignette, 8 insert illustrations, and 15 in the text. Minimal scuffing on the spine; ribbing very slightly worn. First separate edition of this short story excerpted from *Une Larme du Diable*, published in 1839, illustrated with 25 delicate compositions by the painter Paul-Albert Laurens (1970–1934), etched in color by Eugène Decisy. Limited edition of 300 copies; this is one of 90 copies on Imperial Japan paper or Arches vellum (No. 32 on Imperial Japan paper), containing three states of the illustrations (in black and in color with notes and the final state). It is further enhanced by the publisher’s illustrated subscription bulletin (4 folios bound at the end). The binding is stunning, lined with a rich grotesque decoration, a work signed “Chambolle Duru,” a collaboration between two leading figures of the golden age of bookbinding: René Victor Chambolle (1834–1898) and Hippolyte Duru (1803–1884). Copy in perfect condition.