Description

Offered here is Catalog 987: A Selection of French Books Offered for Sale, issued by the renowned antiquarian bookseller H. P. Kraus. Bound in an aqua-colored hardcover with gilt ornamentation on the front cover and gilt lettering on the spine, this catalogue is a handsome and substantial example of mid-20th-century bookseller publishing.

The volume measures approximately 12.125" tall x 8.625" wide x 1" thick and contains 124 pages. It was printed in Germany, and the year 1961 is penciled on the front page, consistent with the catalogue’s issue period.

Illustrations are abundant throughout, including numerous black-and-white images, many of which are tipped in. Notably, there is a fold-out tipped-in illustration that unfolds vertically into three panels (fully intact and photographed).

Condition:

The book is in good, used condition.

• Wear to the corners of the boards

• Damage at the headcap, with minor wear also at the tailcap

• The spine and both covers exhibit sun fading

• There is distinct shadow sunning (also called sun shadowing): an unfaded rectangular area at the center of both the front and back covers, likely caused by an object resting on the book for an extended period, with fading above and below

Despite these flaws, the binding remains solid, and the contents are complete and visually striking.

🧭 Synopsis

This catalogue presents a curated selection of rare and important French books, offered by H. P. Kraus, one of the most influential antiquarian booksellers of the 20th century. More than a sales list, the catalogue serves as a reference work, documenting notable editions, bindings, and illustrated works through detailed descriptions and period photography.

Kraus catalogues are widely collected by booksellers, librarians, historians of the book, and bibliophiles, valued both for their scholarly utility and for preserving records of books that now reside in private and institutional collections worldwide. A3.