Books Illustrated by Dali.

Nouvelles Petites Fleurs de Saint Francois d'Assise
by Claire & Yvan Goll,
Illustrated by Salvador Dali.

Just when I thought that I had them all, another book finds its way to me. 

This one, a softcover (with dust jacket) published in 1958, is written in French, and it features three full-page black & white illustrations by Dali.  Stamp numbered at the back of the book, limited to 1000 copies.

My copy is strange in that the tops and edges of the pages are uncut, so you cannot open every page.  Looks like the book was assembled by folding a sheet into quarters.  This is the first time that I have seen this.

It also appears that my copy is signed by the author, Claire Goll.

A very rare book, so it is difficult to place a value on it.  Likely worth about $175, possibly more considering it would appeal to collectors of Dali and of Goll.

 

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"Le Chateau d'Otrante" by Horace Walpole,
Illustrated by Salvador Dali (1964)

This is another example of my years of collecting/research experience translated into valuable information for you.

This book, published by the French Book Club, and written entirely in French, is quite uncommon in the United States.  Chances are, it's more common in France and across Europe.  Both of my copies recently came from France.

According to the Field catalog, this book was published in a numbered, limited edition of 7000.  The Dali illustrations used for the book are from a suite of engravings (Field 64-5, p. 26). The book illustrations are in a smaller format, 8 x 9.3cm, and are each printed on a single page, with no text on either side.

The book comes with a single bookmark and a clear dust jacket.  The book is machine-numbered at the rear of the book on the tirage page.

I don't read French, so I can't comment on the content of the book, but the rarity of this book makes it a satisfying find for those on the hunt for something new.  You are not likely to see these illustrations reprinted in one place anywhere else.

To get a copy, you will likely need to look for an international seller over in Europe.  With a potential 7000 copies in circulation, there should be plenty of them available at fewer than $50.

A final note on one copy of this book in my collection: it came with what appears to be an original Dali inscription on the title page.  The authenticity of the inscription is dubious.  In my opinion, it appears authentic.  Others will have their own opinion.  We may never know.  Check it out for yourself, and weigh in with your own opinion.

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"Crisalida"
by Salvador Dali

If you came here looking for one of the most elusive Dali art collectibles in print, you found it with Crisalida.

This appears to be an advertisement commissioned by Wallace Laboratories (New Brunswick, NJ) in which "...Dali was chosen to undertake an experiment--a visualization of the transition from mental turmoil to tranquility."

The cover illustration is dated 1958; it is followed by three full-page color illustrations inside, and a color photo of Dali with a model of the Crisalida exhibit.  It appears that these images are all exclusive to this brochure.  The entire thing is pictured here.

The exhibit apparently advertised a drug called meprobamate.  I found a reference to the exhibit in a book titled The Age of Anxiety (pp.76-8).

Clearly this piece was printed circa 1958 because there is reference to Dali completing Santiago el Grande  (1957) immediately prior to undertaking Crisalida.

It is not known how many of these were printed, but it is extremely rare.  So rare, that most collectors probably don't even know it exists and so there may be a small market for this piece.  With such little competition for it, you should be able to snag it for a bargain of fewer than $20.  But the wait will be long.

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Wine, Women and Words
by Billy Rose
(Simon and Schuster / Reinhardt & Evans - 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949)
illustrated by Salvador Dali.

This neat little book has 15 original full-page Dali illustrations and a full-page frontispiece, making it a good book for any Dali collector library.  In addition, there are numerous smaller illustrations throughout the book.

But, before you rush out to buy a copy, you should know that there are at least three different versions of this book in publication.

The most typical versions are the two American publications, a hardcover and a softcover, both of which are distinguished by a cover designed by Dali.  The third, and rarely seen, version is a UK hardcover printing which has a rather generic city scene on the dust jacket clearly not designed by Dali.

In comparing the two American versions, the softcover is a larger format, so the illustrations are a bit larger.  In particular, this illustration from the Iron Butterflies chapter is expanded to full-page in the softcover version.  This illustration doesn't even appear in the UK version.

The biggest differences occur between the American hardcover and the UK hardcover. 

Superficially, the dust jackets are different, and so are the actual covers.  The American cover has a gold illustration of a kneeling figure with a rose head, whereas the UK cover is just plain.

Inside the books are even greater differences.

First, the 15 main chapter illustrations of the UK version are all on a salmon-colored background whereas the American version utilizes a number of background colors including blue and yellow.

Second, the UK version has less bleed-through of print from the other side of the page, making the full-page chapter illustrations more ripe for removal and framing.

Third, the UK version is missing many of the smaller b&w illustrations throughout each chapter that are found in the American version.  This is especially evident in the chapter header illustrations, which are different for every chapter in the American version, but are just the generic kneeling figure with a rose head in the UK version.

Finally, one chapter illustration in both hardcover versions is colored in the UK version and not colored in the American version.  Of course, it is on the salmon-colored background like all the rest of the UK version's full-page illustrations.

All-in-all, I think that either of the two American versions is the better bet for the average Dali collector.  Both are readily available for fewer than $15.  When buying the hardcover version, make sure you get the cool dust jacket.

As for the UK version, I got mine by accident when I thought I was buying the American hardcover version.  I though it was unique, so I decided to keep it.  I have never seen another one of these in the years since I got mine.  Nevertheless, I doubt it is worth more than the American version, considering its several drawbacks.

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Macbeth (Doubleday, 1946)
illustrated by Salvador Dali

To the Dali collector, this book pretty much speaks for itself.  It ranks up there among the most rare of the books illustrated by Dali.

The book comes in a slipcase with an illustration pasted on the front.  The book itself has this great repeating pattern which is apparently the letters of Dali's name layered on top of each other.

Inside, you find 12 b&w illustrations, most of which are incredibly crisp and vibrant.  As with other Dali illustrated books, you won't find all of these illustrations in the same place anywhere else.

 

My copy came in a chipped slipcase in decent condition, but the book inside is immaculate.  In fact, it has never been cracked open to read, leaving the binding tight. 

A severely worn copy of this book can easily fetch about $75 in online auctions, and a fine copy sells for around $150 and up.  This one is rare, but be patient, it turns up from time-to-time.

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Lautreamont: Les Chants de Maldoror,
illustres par Salvador Dali

Right now, this booklet is an enigma.  There is no copyright information and the only printed information inside the booklet reads:

IMPRIME EN SUISSE
ETIENNE ET CHRISTIAN BRAILLARD, GENEVE



Etienne Braillard in Geneva printed the Argillet edition of 1975 as the retitled Edition complete et definitive des Chants de Maldoror (according to Dali: Les Chants de Maldoror exhibition catalog, 1991).    So, it seems that this booklet likely dates to about 1975.

Let's turn our attention to the details of the booklet.  It is 6.25" x 9.25" and contains 44 plates of Dali's engravings for Les Chants de Maldoror.

These engravings are without the remarques of both the 1934 Skira deluxe edition and the 1975 Argillet edition.  For the Argillet edition, Dali engraved additional designs on the cropped plates that are different from the original remarques (according to Dali: Les Chants de Maldoror exhibition catalog, 1991).

So, the booklet images appear to represent the original unaltered engravings of 1934.

One possibility is that this booklet accompanied the Argillet edition to show the original state of the engravings, another possibility is that the booklet was a promotional catalog or advertisement for the Argillet edition.  Hopefully the actual details of this publication will soon come to light.

In any case, the reproductions in this booklet are the best quality of any Maldoror illustrations I have seen, making this a great find.  All illustrations are crisp, clear, have sufficient contrast, and are full-page.

It is not known where another of these booklets is being sold--it appears to be extremely rare.  Any estimation of collector value must be strictly conjecture, but I am not beyond such speculation.

If the booklet turns out to be associated with the purchase of the Argillet edition of 1975, then the value of this booklet may be quite high considering that one could only get it through the costly purchase of the engravings suite.  In this case, the booklet could be worth several hundred dollars.

If the booklet is simply a promotional publication that is somewhat common somewhere in the world, then the value of the booklet could easily be under $100.

My personal valuation of this item is tentatively in the $300 range.

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Don Quixote de la Mancha
(Random House, 1946; Abbeville Press, 1979)

The original 1946 first printing of this book is among the most sought-after publications illustrated by Dali.  It is distinguished from the 1979 reprint primarily by size and by the cover design.

The 1946 version is about 5" x 7.25", whereas the 1979 reprint is about 6.25" x 9".  The 1946 version has the same cover art as the 1979 reprint, but the title and "Illustrated by ..." are both printed on the clear dust jacket of the 1946 version, whereas this information is printed directly on the cover of the 1979 reprint.  So, when collecting the 1946 version, be on the lookout for the clear dust jacket with the book information printed directly on it.

Other than the outside of both versions, the inside is exactly the same.  The 1979 reprint is simply in a larger font.

As far as the illustrations are concerned, there are 10 double-page full-color reproductions and numerous b&w illustrations of various sizes throughout.  For my money, the 1946 version is superior because of the color and print quality on matte paper.  The 1979 reprint images are slightly larger, but the slightly glossy paper is not appealing, and the reproductions suffer a little in overall quality, IMHO.

Either print version is somewhat difficult to find, and each usually commands a respective premium. 

The 1946 first printing sells for an average of around $80, and the 1979 reprint sells for an average of around $55.  The prices are close enough, and the editions are of equal availability, that one can hold out for the more superior 1946 first printing.

The images shown here are from the 1946 version.

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MACBETH
William Shakespeare
Spanish translation by Jose Maria Valverse (Planeta, 2006).

The original English language printing of Macbeth illustrated by Dali is arguably one of the most difficult difficult-to-find (or most expensive to purchase) out-of-print publications for the Dali collector.  A tattered copy of the original easily sells for $75, and a fine copy can easily sell for $150 and up.  That is quite a price to see 12 black and white Dali illustrations.

You are not likely to find all of the Macbeth illustrations reproduced anywhere else, and especially not all in one place, which makes it necessary to obtain a copy of this book if you want to see them.

Luckily, an affordable alternative to the original publication has come along in the form of this Spanish language reprint of the original.  Generally available from sellers in Europe, the cost of shipping can make for an expensive purchase, but if you can find a US seller, you may make out okay.

This edition comes in a sturdy slip case with Dali cover art illustration.  All original Dali illustrations are reproduced on their own full page.  The paper is of decent quality.  The illustration reproductions are of acceptable quality, and although I have not had the opportunity to inspect a copy of the original publication, experience tells me that the original publication's illustrations are probably superior.  But, on a low budget, the Spanish reissue will suffice.

For about $50, you should be able to get a brand new copy of this publication, which is a fraction of the cost of the original vintage book.

 

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Purgatorio

Dalte Alghieri (Folio Society, Second Printing 2008).

Wow, yet another publication featuring some of Dali's illustrations of the Divine Comedy.

This book is 13" tall by 9" wide, 240 pages, quarter bound in leather with moire silk sides, and comes in an attractive slip case decorated with a Dali illustration.  It looks really classy among all of my older OOP Dali books!

All 33 of the Purgatorio illustrations are full-page and in full-color.  A great way to get about a third of the Divine Comedy illustrations in one place.

This item is still available from the Folio Society, and if you're a member, it'll cost you $160 plus shipping.  If you're not a member, you are obliged to buy a few books to secure your membership, making this book worth upwards of $200 considering the extra purchases necessary to obtain it.

Or, you can be lucky and snatch one up in an online auction for about $120.  Not too many out there on the secondary market, so keep your eyes peeled.  Also, be on the lookout for stated second editions.

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As You Like It

William Shakespeare (Folio Society, Second Impression 1959).

This printing comes in a marbled slip case with a green cover.  The cover has an alternating black and gold feather design.  Features 8 full-page color Dali illustrations (6 costume, 2 scenery).

I have seen the scenery designs elsewhere, but the costume designs are likely only to be found in this publication.  These costumes are pretty funky, and the colors really make them pop out of the page.

Later printings of this book may have a white cover (Fourth Printing?).

Any of the printings of this book tend to be extremely rare and one can expect to pay more than $100 for a nice, complete copy of this book.

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Fantastic Memories

by Maurice Sandoz (Doubleday, 1944).

The very first of four hardcover Sandoz books illustrated by Dali.  Perhaps that is why it is about the hardest one to find. 

It has a faded green denim-like cover with the initials "MS" in gold and a black horizontal stripe running across the front.  The dust jacket designed by Dali is fantastic indeed.

It is extremely difficult to find a decent copy of this book with the dust jacket.  If you find a copy with intact dust jacket for under $100, count yourself lucky and snatch it up!

This book has the most illustrations of the Sandoz/Dali series with 24 full page black and white illustrations.  Add that to the whopper of a cover and you've got one fine collectibe OOP book.

Because of the rarity of this book, it is so tempting to post all of the illustrations here.  However, I wouldn't want to spoil your fun of tracking down a copy of this book to reveal these images to yourself. 

So, here's just a sampling of some of my favorite illustrations from this book.

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The Maze
by Maurice Sandoz (Doubleday, 1946).

One of four hardcover Sandoz books illustrated by Dali.

A fantastic dust jacket illustrated by Dali rounds out what is a fantastic and unique book in many respects.

For example, the front hardcover has a maze impression actually etched into its surface.  The connection to the title is obvious.

There are 13 full-page black and white Dali illustrations throughout this book.  In my opinion, these are some of the most original and unique illustrations Dali has done for any book. 

While there is typical Dalinian imagery involved, the illustrations seem more experimental in technique and execution, making for an interesting study in Dali's draftsmanship.

The final image below (the man's face) appears as a toad in the moonlight when the page is rotated 180 degrees.

As usual, you won't find these illustrations reproduced anywhere else, so you'll have to obtain a copy of the book just to see them all in one place.

This book is quite rare, but when it pops up, you can expect to pay $40 and up, with an average probably closer to more than $65.

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The House Without Windows: A Novel

by Maurice Sandoz (William Campion, 1950).

One of four hardcover Sandoz books illustrated by Dali.

This hardcover book features a dust jacket illustrated by Dali, and seven beautifully colorful full-page illustrations inside.

The cover under the dust jacket is light blue.

This book is extremely rare, so if you find one in good condition and for a good price, snatch it up. You can expect to pay up to about $120 or more for a nice copy of this book with the dust jacket.

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On The Verge
by Maurice Sandoz (Doubleday, 1950).

One of four hardcover Sandoz books illustrated by Dali.

This book features six full-page black and white illustrations by Dali. You won’t find these illustrations anywhere else, so this book is a valuable collectible.

A very rare book, you can expect to pay about $75 to more than $100 depending on the quality of the book and whether or not it has the original dust jacket.

If you can’t find it with the dust jacket, don’t sweat it because the cover artwork is reproduced on the title page as the only color art in the book. The cloth hardcover is colored salmon.

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Speak of the Devil (dust jacket by Dalí)

Edited by Sterling North and C.B. Boutell (Doubleday, 1945).

This book features a dust jacket design by Dalí. It’s a nice one! Unfortunately, there are no illustrations inside.

If buying this on the internet, make sure you are getting the Dalí dust jacket with it, which is quite rare thus making it difficult to obtain.

You can expect to pay about $10 for this book with the dust jacket if you’re lucky, but you can pay as much as $20-$40 $60-$80 (updated 11/7/13).

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Jerusalem Bible
Illustrated by Salvador Dali;

Edited by Alexander Jones (Doubleday & Company, 1970).

This large, heavy book is just under 12″ tall by 3″ thick, and is filled with 32 full-page color illustrations by Dalí. This number represents less than a third of the 105 lithographs in the “Biblia Sacra” suite. However, this enormous illustrated book is sure to be a prize to even an atheist.

Features two silk ribbon page markers, leather cover, marble decorated pastedowns and endpapers, and gold gilt page edges. Originally issued in a coffin box for protection, and can be found in red, white, and black covers.

The red cover seems to be the most common and the black and white covers are of about equal rarity. 

A pretty common book, but demand remains fairly high, so you will pay at least $100 for a nice copy.  I have seen copies sell for upwards of $200.

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Salvador Dali: Bilder Zur Bibel (Images for the Bible)
Germany, 1973

Wow, here in America, who knew that this book existed?  First time I ever saw it.  It's just this kind of item that was one of the inspirations for this blog.

This book has a purple hard cover with the title in gold letters.  This is covered by an illustrated paper dust jacket.  Finally, there is a clear plastic dust jacket with the title of the book printed in gold on it.

Inside, there are 40 full-page color illustrations done by Dali for the Biblia Sacra suite.  32 of these illustrations are found in the Jerusalem Bible, with eight additional illustrations included here.  The eight additional illustrations are pictured below.

All illustrations are of the same size, quality, and paper as the Bible illustrations, making them virtually indistinguishable.  There is no text on the reverse of any illustration page.

Accompanying each image is a one or two page text, likely passages from the Bible or a discussion of the images' relation to the Bible.  It's in German, so I'm not really sure.

This book seems to be rather uncommon, especially here in the US.  The average price seems to be about $80 for a fine copy.

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Essays of Michel de Montaigne

Translated by Charles Cotton;
Selected and Illustrated by Salvador Dali (1947)

A great book of Dali art with some fantastically readable essays taboot. You won’t find these Dali illustrations anywhere else, so this book is a must-have for any Dali aficionado.

Features a green cover with gold design and no dust jacket. Make sure you buy the “Literary Guild” version.

Easy-to-find, expect to pay from $15-$30. Don’t pay more than that.

Update 11/11/11:

I recently stumbled upon this rare item below. 

It's not just any copy of Montaigne; it's a mint condition copy still sealed with the Literary Guild card inside.  I have never seen one of these books still sealed like this--a rarity indeed!

Like a collectible toy in its original unopened package, this book should be worth a premium to a collector.  I snatched this up for fewer than $20, but I am certain it is worth more than $75 to the right person.

BTW, I don't plan to open it, so for now this mint copy will be preserved in its original condition.

Here, for the first time ever, are all 16 of the full-page, color illustrations from this fine book, followed by a number of the black-and-white illustrations.





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The Book of Ballets: Classic and Modern

Edited by Gerald Goode; published: 1939.

If you’re a fan of ballet, then this book must be a prize. It is replete with stories, musical themes, descriptions of choreography, scenes, and costumes of 81 of the most important productions of all major companies appearing in the country at the time.

I’m only interested in the color Dalí illustrations, of which there are two. These are common images which are available in the tome “Dalí: The Paintings.” This book does have art by other notable artists like Picasso, Matisse, and de Chirico. If you really want this book, you can get it for about $15.

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The Autobiography of Benvenuto Cellini
illustrated by Salvador Dali (1948).

All you need to know is that the illustrations in this book are fantastic and are a must-have for any fan of Dali’s art. You won’t find these works compiled anywhere else.

If you have a nice copy of this book, it is a gem in your collection. The cover is a deep red cloth hard cover with a gold illustration on the cover. Inside are numerous color and black and white illustrations. Several are pictured below.

This book is fairly common, and you can pay from $25 to $75, with an average price somewhere in between, depending on the quality. Make sure you get the “Literary Guild” version.