René Kieffer had acquired from his old friend Valdo Barbey, a Marine painter, 18 copper engravings representing 18 ports of the world.
Determined to publish a 4-page text per port, he first turned to Pierre Mac Orlan, then to Blaise Cendrars (who would make it the subject of his work 'Bourlinguer') before turning to Claude Farrère, member of the Académie Française.
A long, whimsical cruise from London to Venice, passing through the ports of Hamburg, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Paris, Rouen, Le Havre, Southampton, Brest, New York, Bordeaux, Bilbao, A Coruña, Marseille, Toulon, Genoa, and Naples.
Superb edition in a rare, embossed Kieffer binding.
René Kieffer Editions
1949
First Edition that will never be reprinted
Format 26*33cm, 112p
one of 450 copies numbered on Pur Fil BFK de Rives paper
Embellished with 18 Superb Original Etchings by
Valdo Barbey
Superb full sheepskin binding
embossed with shells arranged like fish scales
signed by the Atelier René Kieffer
Gilt top edge
Condition
Very beautiful work with minimal signs of use
- slight rubbing to the corners
- slight rubbing on the edges
- Interior in fresh condition
