JACK ET JANE
[1883] First French Edition of Louisa May Alcott's Jack and Jill: A Village Story.
Translated by P.J. Stahl and Lermont. 
Illustrated with wonderful and dramtic illustrations by J. Geoffroy
Bound in collectible Percaline Binding.
 
 Paris: Bibliothèque D’Education et de Récréation, J. Hetzel et Cie, [1883]
 
This French edition was published three years after the first American Edition of Jack and Jill: A Village Story was published in 1880. The name “Jill” is of English origin. French translator P.J. Stahl took many liberties with Alcott’s writings; in this volume, he changed “Jill” to “Jane” which is rooted in the old French name “Jehanne”, and an often used alternative to “Joan”. 
 
8vo, original red quarter morocco, red cloth boards, gilt decorations and lettering. Black and red inlay. Frontis, engraved title-page and 22 plates by J. Geoffroy. Eight-page publisher’s catalog at the end.
 
OCLC records two different editions of this title in French, one dated 1883 and another dated 1884. This copy corresponds in pagination to the 1883 edition and the publisher’s catalog advertises books as “En Parparation pour 1884.”
 
Provenance: From the collection of Pierre Desmottes, bibliophile and collector of percaline bindings. His bookplate is pasted inside on the back of the front cover. 
 
Condition:  Very Good. Some shelf wear to top and bottom of spine and light bumping of all board corners. Gold gilt and red writing on spine are slightly sun faded but remain nicely readable. Light wear at cover joint. Cover decor is near fine: Red, black, and gold.
Gold gilt page edges are crisp and bright. Varying degree of light foxing throughout the book. The binding is Very Good. This appears to be a very well-cared for and treasured volume from Pierre Desmottes library.
 
Covered in protective mylar.