Histoire et Aventures du Baron de Munchhausen

6C Illustrated by A. Robida. Preface by Louis Tarsot. Paris: Henri Laurens Éditeur, 1917. First Illustrated Edition thus.

Notes

This 1917 French edition of Histoire et Aventures du Baron de Munchhausen, stands as a visually spectacular and historically significant printing of the legendary tall tales. Featuring an insightful preface by the scholar Louis Tarsot, this wartime volume is brought to life through the brilliant visual program of Albert Robida (1848–1926), the pre-eminent French illustrator, caricaturist, and early speculative fiction writer. Robida completely strips away the rigid, academic illustrative styling of earlier 19th-century editions, injecting the Baron's absurd exploits—such as riding cannonballs, pulling himself out of swamps by his own hair, and traveling to the moon—with a frantic, highly expressive, and deeply comedic energy. His fluid line work, dramatic character expressions, and intricate architectural detail perfectly mirror the satirical nature of the text. For collectors of historic French literature and Golden Age graphic art, this 1917 printing remains a highly desirable and uncommon acquisition that showcases the perfect pairing of an 18th-century literary myth with a master of modern French caricature.

Description

Light blue canvas binding with vibrant illustration to upper cover. Lettering in gilt to cover and spine. Gilt edges. Ten illustrations handcolored by the ‘pochoir’ method. Many black and white illustrations throughout. Fine condition.