DERAIN, André. Pantagruel. By Francois Rabelais. [2], 187, [11] pp. With 175 unsigned woodcuts printed in colour including initials, head- and tail-pieces. Folio, 350 x 280 mm, bound loose as issued in the original wrappers and vellum-backed chemise in cardboard slipcase. Paris: Albert Skira, 1943.

A fine copy of one of the landmarks of modern book illustration. Derain's Pantagruel, a monument to the printer's art, was a remarkable publishing event being created and produced in the middle of the Second World War. Derain spent two years working on the 179 woodcuts for this book.

Inspired by Medieval playing cards, each illustration was printed from a single block, with multiple colours applied to the woodblock simultaneously. This "exacting method required two years to print the edition." It was printed by Lacouriere, the great French craftsman best known for his work with copper plates. One of 200 copies of the regular edition, from a total edition of 275, with the colophon signed by Derain.

The Artist and The Book 81. From Manet to Hockney 111. Skira 91. Rauch 38. Garvey & Wick, The Arts of the French Book 1900-1965 27. Logan 118.