Gaston Riou — Ellen Et Jean

Paris, Bernard Grasset, Editeur, 1923. First edition. Leather. One of sixty copies on Lafuma pure-rag vellum of this uncommon French novel from Gaston Riou. In a full signed Gruel binding. This copy no. 41, being one of sixty copies on Lafuma pure-rag vellum. In full signed crushed morocco by Gruel, with moire endpapers and gilt borders to the paste downs. Bound with the original wraps.  Ellen et Jean recounts the life of a left-wing republican politician from the Ardeche region, with political and philosophical ideas closely resembling those of the author.  This work is the first installment of The Life of Jean Vaucanson.  From French writer and politician Gaston Riou. A radical-socialist, pacifist and pro-European, he joined the Collaboration to promote the idea of a unified Europe.  In full signed crushed morocco by Gruel, with moire endpapers and gilt borders to the paste downs. Externally, with rubbing to the extremities and fading to the spine. Slight loss to the head of the spine. Internally, firmly bound. Moire has separated from the free endpapers. Pages are generally bright and clean, with occasional spotting, heaviest to the first few leaves. Darkening to the inner rear hinge, to the moire. Very Good . Ill.: None. Very Good .