Deluxe 1947 Numbered Edition French Book 'Man' d'Arc' by Jean de La Varende – Collection Athêna-Luxe - FB05

Deluxe 1947 Numbered Edition French Book 'Man' d'Arc' by Jean de La Varende – Collection Athêna-Luxe

For sale is a spectacular, standalone deluxe French library volume titled Man' d'Arc by the celebrated French academic author Jean de La Varende. Published in Paris by Éditions Athêna in 1947 (MCMXLVII), this luxurious mid-century volume represents a premier post-WWII golden revival piece of fine-press limited edition publishing.

This wide, heavy-set grand in-8 volume is masterfully executed in a premium custom hand-crafted Prussian blue half-leather binding with corners over spectacular "gold-veined" marbled paper boards that elegantly mimic the natural fractures of lapis lazuli stone. Opening the book reveals incredible, fluid stone-clouded marbled endpapers in a rich palette of ocean blue, teal, and cerulean, along with its original silk ribbon bookmark.

Premium Bibliophile & Art Features:

• Certified Limited Print Run: This copy features the official stamped Justification du Tirage page, certifying it as Exemplaire No. 521 of only 2,000 individually numbered copies printed worldwide.
• Wrappers & Spine Conserved: A true masterclass in high-tier bookbinding preservation. The artisan binder has bound in and fully preserved the original illustrated paperback wrappers alongside the incredibly fragile original paper spine text block at the rear.
• Richly Illustrated: Fully cataloged edition containing 10 full-page color plates (hors-texte), 22 in-text illustrations, custom burgundy text rule framing, and custom decorative Drop-Cap Initial letters (lettrines) beautifully illustrated by prominent French artist Derambure.

With its striking deep blue and metallic gold palette, traditional raised spine bands, and heavy tactile proportions, this rare numbered volume delivers exceptional library shelf presence. It is equally suited to a serious collector of fine-press literature, a Dark Academia study, or luxury residential interior design styling.

Condition:

Presented in very good antique condition overall. The hand-sewn binding remains tight, rigid, and structurally sound. The Prussian blue leather displays beautifully with only minor handling wear. Marbled boards show light, honest age-related surface scuffing and minor corner rubbing consistent with a genuine mid-century heritage piece. Internal pages are exceptionally clean, smooth, and flexible, displaying a beautiful creamy ivory tone free from severe foxing or moisture damage. The preserved interior paper elements retain stable, honest age-toning.

Please use the photos as part of the condition report.  We are not antiquarian book experts - our antique and vintage books were acquired in France from estate sales. Please feel free to explore your own research and ask questions if desired.

Approx Dimensions: Measures approximately 19.5 cm high x 15 cm wide x 3 cm thick.