LECONTE DE LISLE - JOUVE (Paul). - Lot 59

LECONTE DE LISLE - JOUVE (Paul). Les Poèmes Barbares. Lausanne: Gonin & Cie, 1929–[1931]. — In-4, 309 x 255: (4 leaves, the first 2 blank), 50 pp., (7 leaves, the last 2 blank), illustrated cover. In sheets, bound cover, with the publisher’s slipcase and case. A highly sought-after deluxe edition, printed in a run of only 119 copies on Arches vellum, illustrated with 31 compositions—most in color—woodcuts by Jules Léon Perrichon based on compositions by Paul JOUVE (1878–1973). Leconte de Lisle’s *Les Poèmes barbares* (1862, expanded in 1872) serves as the “barbarian” counterpart to his *Poèmes antiques*. The collection draws much of its inspiration from Africa, through poems such as “The Oasis,” “The Howlers,” “The Elephants,” “The Virgin Forest,” and “The Death of a Lion.” These poems, blending iconic animal figures with arid landscapes, depict an Africa that is both wild and poetic, allowing the poet to critique the cultural barbarism of the Second Empire while affirming republican and atheist values. Copy number 69, enhanced with a series of 9 etchings accompanied by text. Copy in very good condition.