Les Liaisons Dangereuses. (Barbier, George) & Choderlos De Laclos, Pierre A.F. Continental & Classics

FIRST EDITION THUS. LIMITED EDITION (705/720). 2 vols. 4to. (26.5 x 20 cm). pp. viii+218+[1]; 217+[2]. Original pictorial wrappers with glassene wrappers, housed in original cream moire cloth slipcase and further contained in a later half blue morocco solander box, spines richly gilt, contrasting green title labels. 28 pochoir colour illustrations by Barbier consisting of 2 original upper cover illustrations, 20 full page plates, 2 decorative title pages, 2 chapter heading vignettes and 2 justification vignettes. A very well preserved set in a handsome bespoke solander box. Choderlos de Laclos's story of aristocratic libertines and ex-lovers Marquise de Merteuil and Vicomte de Valmont who compete in the cruel art of seduction, is told through 20 magnificent pochoir illustrations by Barbier. Georges Barbier (1882-1932) was at the forefront of the Art Deco movement, and his images have become icons of an era of unsurpassed glamour, elegance and decadence.