NAPOLÉON, HOMME DE GUERRE

Paris: H. Daragon, 1904. UNIQUE OUT-OF-SERIES COPY MADE FOR THE AUTHOR, printed on Japon and with multiple additional illustrations (from a total edition of 215 copies, 200 on papier vélin du Marais, 10 on Holland paper with the etching in two states, and five on imperial Japon with the etching in four states). 158 x 118 mm. (6 1/4 x 4 1/2"). 4 p.l., [11]-66 pp.
EXQUISITE RED MOSAIC MOROCCO BY JOLY FILS (stamp-signed on front turn-in), covers framed by multiple gilt rules enclosing an diapered panel with ogival inlays of black morocco tooled with gilt eagle or laurel wreath, raised bands, spine panels with inlaid ogival centerpiece of black morocco tooled with gilt eagle, black morocco cornerpieces studded with gilt dots, gilt lettering, densely gilt turn-ins, red silk endleaves, all edges gilt. In chamois-lined chemise of matching red half morocco over marbled boards, spine tooled in gilt, in matching morocco-trimmed slipcase. With four illustrations in the text, as called for, and EXTRA-ILLUSTRATED WITH AN ORIGINAL WATERCOLOR of a soldier as well as an etched frontispiece with seven additional states, two full-page etchings not used in the regular edition, and four leaves of text printed with alternate illustrations, all by Charles Morel. Verso of front free endpaper with bookplate of the author; p. 32 with "1807" corrected to "1806" in pencil, presumably by the author. ◆AN IMMACULATE COPY.

This is surely the best possible copy of "Napoleon, Man of War." It is the author's own copy, beautifully printed on Japon with wide margins, including added illustrations highlighted by original artwork and featuring alternate designs not included in the official edition. Best of all, it has a spectacular mosaic binding featuring Napoleonic symbols, done by a leading Parisian atelier. French historian Henry Houssaye (1848-1911) focused on ancient times early in his career, but developed an interest in Napoleon after serving with distinction in the Franco-Prussian War. He wrote a three-part history of the general's campaigns that was enormously popular. In the present work, he looks at the traits that made Napoleon a great military leader--his intelligence, his adaptability, his audaciousness, and his care for the common soldier. Houssaye was elected to the prestigious Académie Française in 1895, an achievement noted on the bookplate here. The Joly name is one of the most distinguished in French bookbinding history. After having apprenticed with a provincial binder, Antoine Joly (1838-1917) moved to Paris, found employment with the celebrated Léon Gruel, later formed a partnership with Thibaron in 1874, succeeded him 11 years later, and, in 1892, turned the business over to his son Robert (1870?-1924). According to Duncan & De Bartha, "an excellent gilder like his father, Robert designed and produced a range of classical covers." This one is a good deal more animated than the typically restrained classical design..