Chats
Lausanne [Switzerland]: Jean Marguerat, 1945. First Edition. First edition. 98 [2]pp; gilt-stamped title on brown cloth; 9pp text; 82pp b&w photographic illustrations with titles; credits for photographs on p[100]; unclipped b&w pictorial dust jacket lacking price, light soiling and rubbing of edges; fine in very good plus dj. Fine / very good +. Item #1258
The first edition with photographs, the text consists of four charming short stories and a play all told by cats, followed by 98 pages of black and white photographs of cat antics. A treasure for the cat lover in an exceptionally nice first edition.
The author, Sidonie-Garbrielle Colette (1873-1954) was the first French woman of letters to be granted a state funeral. Married three times, twice to writers, Colette was encouraged to write by her first husband, Henry Guathier-Villars, using his pen-name, “Willy.” Much of her writing centers on stories of women and love, some dealing with ageism and sexism. She is perhaps best remembered for her novel, Gigi, published in 1944, and later the basis of the 1958 film starring Audrey Hepburn.
Price: $145.00