Les Fioretti (illustrated by Edy-Legrand)

Two volumes, complete. A PERFECT SET OF THIS MONUMENTAL PUBLICATION. From a deluxe edition of 50 sets supposed to have a drawing by Edy-Legrand, this set, exceptionally, HAS TWO LARGE ORIGINAL GOUACHES REPRODUCED IN THE BOOK AS DOUBLE-PAGE COLOR PLATES. Illustrated throughout in color and black & white. Edition limited to 3426 numbered sets, of which this set is ONE OF ONLY 50 printed on fine wove paper and bound in full black morocco, and accompanied by original artwork, in this case gouache and india ink on fine wove paper. Each painting measures 50 x 65.2 cm. (Three times the size of the double-page plates that reproduce them.) The artwork used in this publication is especially interesting as there is a section in each volume where the artist himself comments on each of the works used. The present gouaches ("Songe d'Innocent III / "Dream of Innocent III" and "En présence de l'évêque d'Assise, François se dépouille de ses richesses" / "In the Presence of the Bishop of Assisi, St. Francis Strips Himself of His Worldly Riches") are reproduced as double-page plates (vol. I, between pp. 16 and 17; vol. II, between pp. 80 and 81). The commentaries appear in volume I, p 261; and volume II, p. 232. THESE TWO GOUACHES, aside from depicting two of the most important scenes from the book, ARE AMONG EDY-LEGRAND'S TRULY OUTSTANDING ILLUSTRATIONS. The colors are bright and fresh. The reproductions in the book, only one-third the size, do not do them justice. Folio. BEAUTIFULLY BOUND IN FULL BLACK MOROCCO BY ENGEL. IN ABSOLUTELY PERFECT CONDITION, WITH NO DEFECTS. SURELY THE BEST POSSIBLE SET of an important work by one of the great book artists--even one of the great artists--of the 20th century.