Déblais (written and illustrated by Gus Bofa, with original etchings and A MANUSCRIPT POEM)

AN OUTSTANDING COPY of this fascinating livre d'artiste written and illustrated by Gus Bofa. Most books illustrated by Bofa feature photomechanical reproductions of drawings, but this book is illustrated with original etchings throughout. Includes full-page etching with aquatint on the cover, printed in green and black; full-page hors-texte frontispiece etching with aquatint, printed in green and black; 10 full-page hors-texte etchings with aquatint printed in black; and 30 etched ornaments printed in green. From a total edition of 250 copies, this is one of 65 numbered copies beautifully printed on fine wove paper with a suite of the 10 hors-texte etchings with remarque, a suite of the 30 etched ornaments printed in black on Malacca wove paper, and a suite of 4 rejected etchings (with aquatint and remarque) on Arches wove paper. Signed by Bofa on the justification. THIS COPY, EXCEPTIONALLY, INCLUDES BOFA'S AUTOGRAPH MANUSCRIPT OF "SOLITUDE", a poem printed for the first time in the book; and two brochures about Bofa, one of which is the scarce auction catalogue of his collection, printed shortly after his death. From the collection of JACQUES CRÉPINEAU, noted theatre critic and historian, and distinguished bibliophile, with his bookplate. 4to, loose as issued in original wraps. FINE AND BRIGHT, with no defects, in the original board chemise and slipcase.