Henri Lachize — Una Amazone Sous le Premier Empire

Paris, Charles Carrington, 1902. First edition. Leather. The original biography of Isa Saint-Elme by Henri Lachize, the first edition in French with illustrations by Charles Thevenin. Biography of Ida Saint-Elme by Henri Lachize, the first edition limited to five hundred copies on verge d'Arches, the present number one hundred and ninety.Daring and popular, Maria Versfelt (also known as Ida Saint-Elme) was a Dutch writer, known for creating one of the first satirical magazines to be written, illustrated, and published by a woman, although her best-selling books were her travelogues of Egypt and the Mediterranean. Her adventurous life led her to be involved with the armies of revolutionary France and Napoleon, travelling across Europe during the campaigns and even participating in some battles alongside the love of her life General Michel Ney. Illustrated with thirty-six compositions by Charles Thevenin. With a preface by Jules de Marthold.  In a half calf binding over cloth covered boards, with the original wraps and spine bound in with the volume. Externally sound with some shelf wear and rubbing to the spine and extremities, light scuffing to the leather, rubbing to the joints. Previous ownership inscription to a front blank page. Internally, firmly bound. A minor closed tear to the title page. Light spotting to the endpapers, otherwise the pages are bright and clean. Illustrated by Charles Thevenin. Good . Ill.: Charles Thevenin. Good .