LÉBÉDEFF (Jean) - WHITE (Stewart Edward). - Lot 202

LÉBÉDEFF (Jean) - WHITE (Stewart Edward). Terres de silence. Paris : G. et A. Mornay, 1922. - In-8, 230 x 177: frontispiece, 251 pp, (5 ff. last 3 blank, illustrated cover. First illustrated edition of this adventure and detective novel, set mainly in the silent forests of North America. The work was written by American writer Stewart Edward White (1873-1946). This magnificent edition, published by Mornay, is the twelfth title in the "Les Beaux Livres" collection. It features the text in its first French translation, by Germaine Delamain, originally published in 1911. The work is decorated with 113 woodcuts in two tones by Jean Lébédeff (1884-1972), one of the greatest wood engravers of the 20th century. In a limited edition of 1,053 copies, this is the most precious of all: it is the only copy on Japon Impérial Antique (no. 1), accompanied by the artist's preparatory sketches, a number of trial prints, and a triple suite of woodcuts (including one on Japon and one on chine). All the sketch sheets (with the exception of the two intended for the cover) and all the proofs of the suites are signed by Lébédeff. Excellent condition. Used rubbing to the spine of the dust jacket.