[GAMES - TOYS] CLARETIE, Léo. Toys: History and Manufacture. - Lot 186

[GAMES - TOYS] CLARETIE, Léo. Toys: History and Manufacture. A fine copy of this classic, in a hardcover binding that is beautifully fresh and enhanced with three autograph letters signed by the author. Paris, Libraires-imprimeries réunies, n.d. [circa 1900] In-4, red publisher’s percaline binding, smooth spine with gilt title and embossed design, upper cover adorned with black-and-gold decoration, central black medallion on the lower cover, gilt edges. IV and 324 pp., numerous illustrations in the text and as inserts. Binding shows only slight scuffing; paper is slightly discolored at the margins. Illustrated edition featuring 300 vignettes within the text and 13 plates, 6 of which are in color. Léo Claretie (1862–1924), a writer and journalist and author of numerous works on education and the decorative arts, presents here a history of toys that has become a classic. Included are three autograph letters signed by the author (1 page, small in-12, in red ink on letterhead embossed with the Ecole normale supérieure logo; 1 page, in-12, in black ink; 1 page in-12 in red ink). He inquires about the upcoming publication of various articles: one devoted to Corneille, another on religious symbolism in Victor Hugo’s *Notre-Dame de Paris*, and finally one on Poinsinet, whose comedy *Le Cercle* is set to be restaged at the theater. In very good condition.