KIPLING, Rudyard (1865-1936); Paul JOUVE (1878-1973, illustrator) and François-Louis SCHMIED (1873-1941, designer). Le Livre de la jungle.Paris: [Printed by Philippe Renouard for] Société du Livre contemporain, 1919.

One of 125 press-numbered copies created and printed for members of the Sociétédu livre contemporain, the exclusive French literary group; with an original drawing by the artist.The Société’s project to issue a translation of Kipling's bestseller was conceived in 1905, and by 1910 Jouve, noted for his paintings and sculptures of African animals, had been selected as the illustrator, and Schmied to execute the wood-cuts of the drawings. The project was halted by World War I but resumed in 1918. When the initial printer, Philippe Renouard, could not complete the printing, Schmied took over, finishing in 1919. The success of the book established Schmied as one of the preeminent wood-cut artists of his day. The present copy is number 13 for M.O. Sainsère of 125 press-numbered copies, with an original drawing by Jouve in India ink enhanced with watercolor, executed on Japanese paper and used as an illustration in the book; and two autograph letters, an undated ALS by Jouve and an ALS by M.H. Michel-Dansac, director of the Société, dated 20 Oct. 1919. Ritchie 4. See G. Ray, The Art of the French Illustrated Book, p. 377.

Quarto (323 x 248mm). 130 hand-colored woodcuts accented with gold by Schmied after Jouve (preliminary and final pages spotted). Contemporary blond calf with an incised and hand-colored design of an Indian female seated in lotus position and surrounded by palm fronds, by Trinckvel and signed and dated 1922 by Malo Renault on front cover; printed silk doublures and endpapers. Calf-covered slipcase.