Paris: Cercle de la Librairie, 1881. First edition. Large 4to., 32, 20, xl, [170] pp., chromolithographic frontispiece with tissue guard, title page vignette, including numerous plates, many issued with tissue guards, including chromolithographs, various types of photogravures, engravings on metal and wood, phototypie and photoglyptie, and musical scores. Published in faux vellum, decorated in gilt and colors, and marbled endpapers. Occasional light foxing and tidemark to the fore edge of a few leaves; stain on the half-title page. The lower board tips are slightly bruised, and there is slight rubbing at the base of the spine. A very good copy in a rare dust jacket that is lacking a few chips and has a few small closed tears. Item #28872

Contents: "Coup d'oeil sur l'histoire de la gravure" by Georges Duplessis; "La photographie et les arts graphiques" by M.A. Davanne; "Catalogue de l'exposition rétrospective." Followed by finely printed advertisements for printers, publishers, and booksellers, including: E. Baldus, Bibliothèque Charpentier, Deberny & Cie, Firmin-Didot, Ch. Dupuy & fils, Gillot, Gouptil & Co., Hachette, Oudin Frères, E. Plon et Cie, Tolmer & Cie. A monument to the French art of book production in the late nineteenth century; it includes a multitude of printing and photomechanical techniques.

Price: $1,250.00