RODENBACH, Georges, and PAILLARD, Henri. *Bruges-la-Morte*. - Lot 275

RODENBACH, Georges, and PAILLARD, Henri. *Bruges-la-Morte*. A beautiful edition, published by Carteret, of this famous Symbolist novel, illustrated with 43 original woodcuts by Henri Paillard, in a fine contemporary binding by Victor Champs. Paris, L. Carteret et Cie, 1900. In-8, full olive-glazed calfskin, ribbed spine, double gilt fillet framing the panels, brown title label, decorative framing on the covers consisting of a combination of triple and single gilt fillets and a blind-stamped frieze, gilt inner roulette, gilded fillet with cut-out patterns, guilloché caps, edges gilded on endpapers, covers and spine preserved, reused slipcase. Binding signed Victor Champs. 147 pp., 43 woodcuts in the text. Spine slightly sun-faded with variations in color, some light rubbing and worn jaws, cracks along the edges of the slightly worn slipcase. Illustrated edition featuring 43 original woodcuts by Henri Paillard (1846–1912). Limited edition of 200 copies; this is one of the 150 numbered copies on Marais vellum in the standard format (no. 129). Charming woodcut bookplate “Dominique Durandy,” depicting a young woman distracted from her reading. “A train-station novel, a thriller before its time, a prose poem written in masterful language, a reimagining of the Orpheus myth, and a coming-of-age tale—*Bruges-la-Morte* offers a multitude of interpretations that continue to ensure its enduring success” (Joël Goffin, *Le Secret de Bruges-la-Morte*, July 15, 2011, p. 41). Considered one of the most important Symbolist novels, *Bruges-la-Morte* secured Georges Rodenbach’s fame in France and, in turn, made him unpopular in his own country for daring to write about Bruges in French. A beautiful copy in a very elegant binding from the era of Victor Champs.