Oak Knoll

The beautiful Eragny Press edition limited to 130 numbered copies printed on Arches with watermark 'Les Cent Bibliophiles', of which this copy is numbered 31 for nominatif being for 'De scamps-Scrive'. From the René De scamps-Scrive library (1925, vol III, n°244). The smallest hint of discoloration to the spine, else a fine copy. M. Rene Descamps-Scrive (1853-1924) was a well-known bibliophile and philanthropist that collected titles in publishing, bookbinding, and illustration history.

Illustrated edition of compositions drawn by Lucien Pissarro, engraved on wood by him and his wife Esther. Leaf with half-title recto and limitation verso, leaf with pictorial title in blue and black with vignette and gilt highlighting verso, opening leaf with elaborate colour border, colour vignette and 6-line colour historiated initial with gilt heightening and de Nerval's text illustrated with 14 monochrome text vignettes, 5 tail-pieces and a head-piece all in blue, the head-piece with additional highlighting in gilt, 11 11-line historiated initials in colour and with gilt heightening, text in black with foliate ornaments throughout, footnotes in red, final leaf with colophon with Eragny Press vignette verso.

Also included is the three-volume set BIBLIOTHÈQUE DE M. RÉNE DESCAMPS-SCRIVE (1925, Leopold Carteret and Lille: Émile Raoust-Leleu, Paris). The complete set of this important auction sale. Filled with tipped-in plates showing many of the fine bindings in the collection. The plates for volumes two and three are loosely inserted in separate paper portfolios as issued. Wrappers worn; pages fine. Spine mostly missing on volume one, but complete. Volume 1 covers ancient books, original editions and illustrated books of the 15th through 17th centuries, with 245 lots described. Volume 2 covers books of the Romantic period, illustrated books of the 19th century, original editions, and very ornate bindings, with 575 lots described. Volume 3 covers original editions, contemporary authors, and beautiful modern books (of which this book is no. 244) with beautiful illustrations, with 738 lots described. A monumental set and a pleasure to peruse. 4to., stiff paper wrappers, (iv),vi,98,(4); (iv),203,(7); (iv),vi,247,(7) pages. Blogie II, 300. (3).