VOLTAIRE and SAUVAGE (Sylvain). Candide or Optimism. Transla - Lot 304

VOLTAIRE and SAUVAGE (Sylvain). Candide or Optimism. Translated from the German by Mr le Docteur Ralph. New edition with copper-engraved figures by Sylvain Sauvage. Splendid binding signed Canape et Corriez, enclosing one of the 20 first copies on Japon, accompanied by a color decomposition of the frontispiece in two states, a suite of the 54 etchings by Sylvain Sauvage in the first state and the suite of the 5 refused plates. Paris, chez l'Artiste, 1928. In-4 (230x280 mm), French blue morocco, threaded ribbed spine, multiple gilt fillets framing the covers and entrenerfs, wide inner border in the same morocco decorated with a gilt fillet frame and the name of the bookbinder "Canape et Corriez", blue moiré silk lining and endpapers, gilt edges on witnesses, covers and spine preserved, in lined slipcase (Canape et Corriez, 1929). 157 pages, 168 compositions by Sylvain Sauvage, including 54 watercolor-enhanced etchings (frontispiece and 53 vignettes: cover, title, headbands, tailpieces, in texto) and 114 woodcuts (112 red-enhanced lettrines, justification and colophon vignettes). Slight foxing to original covers. Charming edition of Voltaire's famous philosophical tale, featuring 168 fine compositions by illustrator Sylvain Sauvage (1888-1948), including 54 watercolor-enhanced etchings and 114 woodcuts. Limited edition of 237 numbered copies, this one of the first 40 on Japon ancien (N°20), including 1 color decomposition of the frontispiece in 2 states (black and color) and 1 suite of the 54 etchings in first state. Enriched with the suite of the 5 rejected plates. A fine, rare copy in perfect condition.