‘Those of us who love beautiful books enjoy few things more than the hunt for a rare volume, and few modern books are as rare or as beautiful as Boutiques.’

The first book in the Mainstone Press’s Parisian trilogy celebrates the city’s charming boutiques, whose characterful shopfronts are often depicted with similarly colourful proprietors. Originally published in 1925 by Marcel Seheur, Boutiques paired the jewel-like illustrations of Lucien Boucher with the surreal text of bohemian favourite Pierre Mac Orlan. Snapped up by collectors, the small limited edition of 500 copies sold out on publication and is now recognised as a classic of the art deco period. The book was also coveted by artists, including Eric Ravilious, whose High Street (1938) owes a great debt to Boucher’s witty and detailed style.

In this new, celebratory edition, Lucien Boucher’s 37 timeless shops are reproduced alongside engaging new captions by Andrew Stewart. Mac Orlan’s original text is also included, in a specially commissioned English translation by Shaun Whiteside. A richly illustrated essay by the art historian James Russell explores the fascinating world of Boucher, Mac Orlan and Seheur, and is followed by a pictorial survey of Boucher’s Paris. We end with notes on the printing of the book by the print aficionado Neil Philip. As with previous Mainstone Press titles, this will be a visual delight featuring a wealth of previously unseen material.

A limited edition of 500 copies. There will also be 100 specials:
70 bound in navy cloth housed in a handmade slipcase - hand numbered with a limited edition print - £250
30 bound in leather - housed in a handmade slipcase - hand numbered with a limited edition print - £1250
280 pages.

If you would like to order a special please contact the publisher for costs and a delivery date.