Gil Blas Illustré, Complete bound run of 53 issues for 1897 of this Art Nouveau / Belle Époque periodical

Gil Blas Illustré was the celebrated weekly illustrated supplement to the influential Parisian literary newspaper Gil Blas, and ranks among the finest French illustrated periodicals of the Belle Époque. Combining contemporary literature, theatre, satire and social commentary with striking illustrations, it became an important showcase for the emerging Art Nouveau style. This substantial volume contains the complete run of all 53 weekly issues published during 1897, with covers illustrated by Théophile Steinlen, one of the defining artists of the Belle Époque and the principal illustrator of Gil Blas Illustré during its most celebrated years. Paul Balluriau provides numerous supporting illustrations. A remarkable survival preserving an exceptional year of one of France's finest illustrated literary journals.

These supplements are copiously illustrated and feature numerous works, with covers in full colour and spot colour and black and white illustrations inside.

Gil Blas Illustré, Complete bound run of 53 issues for 1897.

Contributors include Paul Arene, Pierre Wolf, Rene Boylesve, Maurice Montegut, Rene Maizeroy, Aurelien Scholl, Leo Trzenik, Georges Courteline, Catulle Mendes, Georges Auriol, Alexandre Hepp, Henry Bauer, J. Marni, Lucien Descaves, Maurice Leblanc, Auguste Germain, Maurice Montegut, G. Courteline, Oscar Metenier, Alphonse Allais, Yann Nibor, Francois de Nion, Fernand Gregh, Charles Vellay, Lucienne, E. Tardieu, Jean Lorrain, Auguste Marin, Marcel Prevost, Jacques Saint-Cere, Michel Corday, Armand Silvestre, Franc-Nohain, Pol Neveux, and Jules Bois.

Published in Paris in 1897, this set is complete in a softback card binding with linen strengthened spine. Linen quite worn. The front cover bears the ink stamp "Presented to the British Library Lending Division, 11 Nov. 1975. Issues are bound sequentially and retain all pages including covers.

Of particular interest are the striking illustrations by Steinlen and Balluriau, which epitomise the distinctive visual language of the Belle Époque and the emerging Art Nouveau movement.

In good (plus) condition overall. Illustrations are vibrant and text clear. Some pages exhibit small flaw such as a tear or worn edges, or minor marks. Occasional loosely bound page. 

A most attractive bound set which beautifully encapsulates the spirit of an era.

Text in French.

Dimensions: approx 390mm high x 270mm wide x 20mm deep.

Weight: approximately 1.2kg (unpacked).