108. CERVANTÈS SAAVEDRA Miguel de, L'ingénieux hidalgo Don Quichotte de la Manche (...).
Paris 1869, Hachette , T . 1: 6 +XXIV p. +460 p +II p., T. 2: 6 p. +516 s. + II p. + 2 p. Large folio, 44 cm h.
Cervantes' most famous work which is the story of the nobleman Don Quixote. The novel tells the story of the fate of a nobleman who falls into madness under the influence of the romance of chivalry and sets out into the world as a misguided knight, carried by an inherent noble desire to help people and defend the weakest. The edition on sale has been magnificently decorated with 377 illustrations by Gustave Doré (1832-1883) one of the most prominent painters, caricaturists, illustrators and engravers of the 19th century, famous for his own "dark" style. Both volumes contain a total of120 large compositions + 2 frontispieces and 257 smaller ones, bringing the total to 377. Gustave Doré's drawings were engraved by Héliodore Joseph Pisan (1822-1890). Next to his bio on wikipedia is just a frontispiece from the first volume of the item being sold. At the end of the text is a list of illustrations in large format.
Period binding, publisher's percale, burgundy, gilt, in average condition with minimal rubbing and minor losses, especially at edges; front covers and spine embossed and gilt with title and geometric designs; interior in db condition; occasional red stains characteristic of 19th century paper, especially at beginning and end, but dry; engravings, especially large ones flawless, basically spotless; overall db condition.