Books and Manuscripts

Garnier, Charles
Le Nouvel Opera de Paris
Paris: Ducher et Cie, 1875-1880. In six volumes (of eight). First edition. Folio plate volumes only (without 8vo text volumes). Lithograph volumes: 24 5/8 x 16 13/16 in. (625 x 427 mm); photo volumes: 24 5/8 x 17 7/16 in. (651 x 443 mm). Illustrated with an engraved portrait of Garnier mounted on india paper, 75 magnificent lithographic plates (including 20 chromolithographic plates and five double-page plates) by Penel, Sergent, Bordet, Martel, Sellier, Chappuis, Bruck and others after Duchampt, Rebout, Riquois, Bernard, Jasson and others, and 115 mounted albumen prints by Louis-Émile Durandelle. Lithograph volumes bound in three-quarter brown morocco over marbled paper-covered boards, stamped in blind and in gilt, extremities and joints rubbed, corners worn; scattered light foxing to text and plates; plates trimmed, with Pl. 7, 33-34, 40-41, and 58 in Vol. 2 trimmed close to running title, and with running title partially excised on Pl. 48-49 in same. Photograph volumes bound in three-quarter blue morocco over blue linen-covered boards, stamped in blind and in gilt, boards very worn and rubbed, spines chipped and rubbed, with some portions separating, front board and free endpaper detached on Sculpture Ornementale volume; moderate to heavy foxing and soiling to prelims and plates. Sold with all faults.

A scarce set of this stunning work devoted to the Paris Opera House, also known as the Palais Garnier, depicting in full-page chromolithographs and photographs its opulent facades, interiors, vestibules, statuary, and murals. Designed by French architect Charles Garnier (1825-1898), the Paris Opera House was built over a 14-year period from 1861-1875 and has come to be regarded as one of the most remarkable buildings of the Second Empire under Napoleon III, and in Paris in general.