Paris: E. Plon, Nourrit & Cie, (1896). Deluxe presentation copy for Tsar Nicholas II of Russia: "Exemplaire reserve, imprime sur papier pelure du Japon, revu et retouche par M. Boutet de Monvel". Signed by Boutet de Monvel on specially printed presentation leaf: "A Sa Majeste Nicolas II Empereur de Toutes les Russies Tres respectueux hommage de l'auteur Maurice Boutet de Monvel". Oblong folio. Comprising dedication leaf, colophon leaf, and 48 color lithographed sheets, by the author, elaborately window mounted on thick card with embossed borders. Original quarter white silk over brown paper-covered boards, decorated in gilt, wear along joints and at corners, spine toned; all edges gilt; silk endleaves; patterned sheets at front and rear; gutter split at dedication leaf; scattered foxing to card mounts; in presentation tan cloth slip case emblazoned with the gilt arms of Nicholas II on upper panel.

A fine deluxe issue of French illustrator Louis-Maurice Boutet de Monvel's most acclaimed work. This edition was limited to only 30 deluxe subscription copies (and an unknown number of artist copies) for presentation purposes, and issued in this special format printed on Japanese tissue. This particular copy was prepared for Tsar Nicholas II, the last Emperor of Russia, and is bound with a special presentation leaf addressed to the Tsar, and signed by Boutet de Monvel. The Tsar visited Paris, to much fanfare, in the year of this work's publication, when he presumably received this copy, although it does not bear his book-plate or library shelf markings.