presentation copy signed by Barbier

A French Romantic poet, Maurice de Guérin (1810-39) achieved cult status in his lifetime as one of the first writers of 'prose poems.' The present work is illustrated by George Barbier who provides beautiful illustrations of the mythological Centaur and the Bacchante, a follower of Bacchus (Dionysus).

The charming presentation inscription reads: 'À Mademoiselle Violette Gath / ces petites divinités d'autrefois, déjà touchées par la mélancolie d'aujourd'hui / avec les respectueux compliments de l'artiste / George Barbier / juin 1928.' [To Miss Violette Garth / These small deities of days past, already touched by the melancholy of today / With respectful compliments of the artist George Barbier / June 1928].

First edition, number 101 of 150 copies; 4to (26 x 21 cm); 27 text illustrations wood-engraved by Pierre Bouchet and printed in colour after designs by Barbier; presentation copy, signed by Barbier on front blank; loose as issued in original pictorial wrappers after Barbier, publisher's burgundy cloth chemise and slipcase.

Carteret IV, 195; Méhé, II, 309-310; Ritchie 25.