UZANNE, Octave. Dictionnaire Bibliophilosophique, Typologique, Iconophilesque, Bibliopégique et Bibliotechnique, a L'Usage des Bibliognostes, des Bibliomanes, et des Bibliophilistins. [8], 364 pp. Illustrated throughout with 31 hors texte etchings, plus numerous vignettes and decorative initials. 8vo., 227 x 150 mm, bound in a double set of different printed wrappers with Art Nouveau designs, and laid into an Art Nouveau gilt-stamped and embossed vellum chemise wrapper with silk ties designed by Belville, preserved in half black morocco fitted case. Paris: Imprimé Pour Les Sociétaires de L'Académie Des Beaux Livres, 1896.

First Edition, limited to 176 copies on vellum, signed by Andre Broca. An absolutely pristine copy of this splendid paean to the world of books, discussing, defining and illustrating the myriad aspects of the book, the collectors, the print and book sellers, and the various makers of books.

Each page is set within a black printed floral border, that of the title-page and frontispiece being heightened by several hand-applied coloures. The illustrations include portraits of eccentric bibliophiles, typical French bibliophilic settings and depictions of the various makers of books, including binders, illustrators, illuminators, printers, compositors, hand-colourists.

The most wonderful etching in the book is that which appears opposite page 20, wherein a masked writer with a earnest grin is at work on his novel. The caption underneath reads: "Un Auteur qui désire garder l'anonyme."

This copy has survived in a most remarkable state of freshness. A special feature to this specific copy is that it has been covered with three states of the illustrated wrappers: first is the vellum Art Nouveau wrappers with a peacock atop a pile of books signed "G. Belville/ 96;" the second set of wrappers printed is printed on an exquisite silver and lavender paper with an Art Nouveau illustration of three young people reading on the front cover and a depiction of Eve in a bibliographical garden of Eden on the rear cover, signed: "Paul Berthon;" the third wrapper on heavy Japanese vellum has a subtle and quite beautiful floral design in various shades of green, signed "Feure." Near mint.

Lexicon des Gesamten Buchwesen III, 480.