4to. 14 full-page color wood engravings (very light occasional spotting, some minor offsetting, stray ink mark to title page.) Loose as issued in original printed paper wrappers; cloth chemise (partial split along front hinge).

LIMITED EDITION, number 50 of 170 copies. SIGNED BY SCHMIED ON LIMITATION PAGE AND FRONTISPIECE. One of the most highly-regarded artists active in France during this time, François-Louis Schmied was notorious for the high expenses often incurred by the production of his books, often resulting in runs of 200 copies or fewer. In a bid to attract wealthy patrons Schmied would display works in progress at annual Parisian art fairs. So in demand were his works that author J.C. Mardrus gives credit to Schmied for the book's publication in the first place, with a facsimile of his hand-written note on the limitation page: "Dear Schmied, it is to please you that this unpublished text has been developed. Without you, without your enthusiasm, it would still be in nothingness. Your friend, J. C. M." Carteret IV, 263.