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Pierre Francastel - La Pologne pittoresque (B. Arthaud, 1934)

1934 French edition of La Pologne pittoresque by Pierre Francastel with cover illustration and folding map. - view 1
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Estimated value

$35 - $75

Rarity

Average(4/10)

Category

Books

Brand

B. Arthaud

Era

1934

Origin

France

Artist / Creator

Pierre Francastel

Authenticity

Very High(90%)
1

PIERRE FRANCASTEL - LA POLOGNE PITTORESQUE (B. ARTHAUD, 1934): IDENTIFICATION

Pierre Francastel's 'La Pologne pittoresque' published in 1934 by B. Arthaud (successeur des Éditions J. Rey) in Grenoble as part of the 'Les Beaux Pays' series. The volume consists of 206 numbered pages printed on wove paper, illustrated with 235 monochrome heliogravure plates in the text, accompanied by an illustrated cover by Wanda Sawicka and a separate folding map of interwar Poland.

EDITION & PUBLISHING HISTORY

Published in Grenoble in 1934, this work reflects the interwar cultural ties between France and the Second Polish Republic prior to the 1939 German invasion. Author Pierre Francastel served as director of the Institut Français in Warsaw from 1928 to 1937, documenting regional ethnography, ...
Published in Grenoble in 1934, this work reflects the interwar cultural ties between France and the Second Polish Republic prior to the 1939 German invasion. Author Pierre Francastel served as director of the Institut Français in Warsaw from 1928 to 1937, documenting regional ethnography, architecture, and landscapes across regions such as Volhynia and Podolia that were permanently shifted after World War II.

COLLECTOR NOTES

1

Between 1928 and 1937, author Pierre Francastel directed the Institut Français in Warsaw, compiling primary photographic surveys for this 1934 edition.

SCARCITY

Average55-70%
CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Typical Characteristics

  • Standard antique shop items
  • Regularly available
  • Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

  • Typography, rotary heliogravure print screening, and paper tone match standard 1934 Arthaud press runs.
How does authenticity detection work?

BIBLIOPHILE'S ASSESSMENT

Rare Book Dealer & Bibliographer

Bibliographer

High confidence supported by clear images of the complete title page, text spreads with identifiable pagination, and original folding map.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Title page imprint reads 'B. Arthaud / Succr des Éditions J. Rey / Grenoble' confirming the 1934 publication run.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Check collation of final leaves for the printing date statement ('Achevé d'imprimer') to confirm specific impression date in 1934.

CONDITION & GRADE

Very Good

Grading breakdown

Wrappers show light shelf soiling and minor perimeter wear; the text block and gravure plates remain clean with no significant foxing, and the publisher folding map is preserved intact.

Condition

Original printed softcover wrappers intact with minor edgewear along spine extremities. Internal signatures remain sewn without major splitting; folding map is detached as issued and exhibits original publisher fold lines without visible tears.

BOOK MARKET VALUATION

$35 - $75

Updated: Oct 16, 2026

  • Market comparables from auctions & retail
  • Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
  • Current collector demand & trends
  • Low = quick sale, high = patient seller

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

YOUR INPUT VS. SCAN

How your provided context compares with Curiosa.com scanner findings.

What Aligned

  • User stated 'wydawnictwo B. Arthaud, 1934 r.' - Title page and lower imprint explicitly confirm B. Arthaud, Succr des Éditions J. Rey, Grenoble, 1934.
  • User cited 'oprawa miękka' and '206 stron' with '235 heliograwiurami' - Half-title and text pagination confirm the 206-page softcover issue containing 235 heliogravures.

FROM THE CABINET OF

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