Alphabet de la Guerre: pour les Grands et les Petits [Alphabet of War: for Adults and Children]

(Alphabet Books) ALPHABET DE LA GUERRE: POUR LES GRANDS ET LES PETITS [ALPHABET OF WAR: FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN] by Allard l'Olivier, painter to the Belgian army in the field. Bruxelles: Depositaire General Maurice Lamertin. Editeur Libraire, rue Coudenberg 58, 62 Bruxelles, [1919]. DELUXE LIMITED EDITION, # 25 of 25 copies, signed by the book's author and Illustrator, Allard l'Olivier. Folio - 12-1/2" x 9-5/16". Red cloth half-bound color lithographed paper covered board portfolio with "Editions de la Ligue Nationale du Souvenir, Rue de Namur, 32, Bruxelles printed at head of front cover; lacks original ribbon ties and with minor signs of handling and wear for what is a quite lovely copy of the original portfolio. [26] leaves of colored lithograph plates, [1] leaf colophon, [1] leaf letterhead stationery. 26 colored lithograph plates, one for each letter of the alphabet, each with a French word that starts with the letter and an illustration that depicts the word; all words and illustrations associated with some aspect of World War (1914-1918); plates measure 12-1/8" x 9" and are laid loose in the portfolio as issued; a couple of plates with a few minor spots of foxing, but the vast majority remain in pristine condition. Colophon leaf with printed limitation statement, handwritten book number "25" and signature of Allard l'Olivier; colophon leaf is moderately foxed. Leaf of "Ligue Nationale du Souvenir" letterhead stationery with a manuscript note translated from the French as follows: 'The "Deluxe Edition" copy of the "Alphabet of War." Signed by the painter Allard l'Olivier -- is given for a subscription of five hundred francs;' sheet with light creasing to the corners and edges.
There was a regular trade edition of this book published with 13 leaves, printed on both rectos and versos, bound in cloth backed boards. This deluxe edition, which was limited to 25 copies, with 26 leaves printed on rectos only, printed on better quality paper, laid loose in a cloth backed board portfolio. The condition of the plates is NEAR FINE. The condition of the original publisher's portfolio is VERY GOOD. No copies of the deluxe limited edition located on WorldCat, nor listed in the usual reference works, EXCEEDINGLY RARE, and in wonderful condition. # 001161