Chéri

Paris: Artéme Fayard et Cie, Editeurs, 1929 Hard cover modern binding in tan cloth, title to spine in gilt, housing a partial (16 pp.) and a complete (126pp.) soft cover book, small 4to, (measuring 7 x 9 1/4 inches) with one set of the original orange-yellow wraps bound in, the titles and floral vignette in black and red. 16, 126pp. Printer's colophon dated May 1929. (These titles were reprinted a number of times, this one originally in 1920.) In French. This was part of the "Le Livre de Demain" collection, a series of contemporary popular novels published by the Parisian Artéme Fayard between 1923 and 1927 in part to "democratize access to books illustrated by artists." There are 22 illustrations included reproduced from wood block engravings by the Impressionist Swiss-French artist and engraver Pierre-George Jeanniot. This is considered French actress and author Colette's best work, about the bittersweet ending of a love affair between a young man and the beautiful yet aging courtesan Léa de Lonval. Condition: Very Good Plus. Exterior case is Near Fine. Interior contents are Very Good Plus, with one closed tear to text, slight soiling to foredge of original wrap bound in. Moderately toned. . Pour La Collection "Le Livre de Demain". Hard Cover. Very Good Plus. Illus. by G. Jeanniot.