Jules Claretie; Armand Silvestre — Explication and la Plante Enchantee

Paris, Librairie Illustree, 1894-1895. Cloth. Two volumes of limited edition works illustrated by noted French artist Albert Robida. Printed for Angelo Mariani, the purpose of these works is for extolling the virtues of his popular coca wine. Comprising 'Explication' by Jules Claretie and 'La Plante Enchantee' by Armand Silvestre. Explication is numbered 38 of 50 copies on Japon paper. La Plante Enchantee is also numbered 38 of 50 copies on Japon paper. Scarce thus. In the original French. Jules Arnaud Claretie was an important French literary figure. 'Explication' follows the exploits of Hercules. It is beautifully illustrated with humorous drawings by Armand Silvestre. 'La Plante Enchantee' is a tale set in 1547 and features a plant that invigorates youth which is based on the Coca wine. It is written by Paul Armaund Silvestre, a French poet and conteur. Vin Mariani was the name of the coca wine, which was first created in 1863 and has an active content of around 6 milligrams per ounce. Its famous drinkers included Queen Victoria and Pope Leo XIII. A strikingly illustrated set of works. In a full cloth binding. Externally, very smart. Minor shelfwear to the head and tail of spine. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean. Fine . Ill.: Albert Robida. Fine .