![FORTSAS HOAX — [Renier-Hubert-Ghislain CHALON (1802-89).] Catalogue d'une très-riche mais peu nombreuse collection de livres provenant de la bibliothèque de feu Mr. le Comte J.-N.-A. de Fortsas. Mons: Emmanuel Hoyois, [10 July 1840].](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2018/CKS/2018_CKS_16018_0335_000(fortsas_hoax_renier-hubert-ghislain_chalon_catalogue_dune_tres-riche_m103435).jpg?w=1)
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FORTSAS HOAX — [Renier-Hubert-Ghislain CHALON (1802-89).] Catalogue d'une très-riche mais peu nombreuse collection de livres provenant de la bibliothèque de feu Mr. le Comte J.-N.-A. de Fortsas. Mons: Emmanuel Hoyois, [10 July 1840].
First edition of the famous Fortsas sale catalogue, the most successful hoax in book collecting history. The 52 ‘unique’ books offered in the sale were each clearly meant to appeal to one or more well-known collectors. Although a number of collectors sent representatives to participate in the auction, they were soon to learn that the entire affair had been an elaborate practical joke.
Octavo (205 x 130mm). Wood-engraved title vignette (two very short marginal tears). 19th-century brown morocco gilt (a few light scratches).
[Sold with:] HOYOIS, Emmanuel. Documents et particularités historiques sur le Catalogue du comte de Fortsas. Mons: Emm. Hoyois, 1857. First edition. Octavo, yellow-paper issue, contemporary black half morocco. [and:] Catalogue d'une tres-riche mais peu nombreuse collection de livres provenant de la bibliotheque de feu Mr. le Comte J.-N.-A. de Fortsas. Mons: Emmanuel Hoyois, [not before 10 August 1840]. A later edition including the ‘Avis’. Octavo, disbound. [and:] Jean-Nepomucene-Auguste Pichauld, Comte de Fortsas et Renier Chalon. G. d. l. C: from ‘Le Livre et L’Estampe’, number 9, January 1957. Octavo, printed wrappers.
First edition of the famous Fortsas sale catalogue, the most successful hoax in book collecting history. The 52 ‘unique’ books offered in the sale were each clearly meant to appeal to one or more well-known collectors. Although a number of collectors sent representatives to participate in the auction, they were soon to learn that the entire affair had been an elaborate practical joke.
Octavo (205 x 130mm). Wood-engraved title vignette (two very short marginal tears). 19th-century brown morocco gilt (a few light scratches).
[Sold with:] HOYOIS, Emmanuel. Documents et particularités historiques sur le Catalogue du comte de Fortsas. Mons: Emm. Hoyois, 1857. First edition. Octavo, yellow-paper issue, contemporary black half morocco. [and:] Catalogue d'une tres-riche mais peu nombreuse collection de livres provenant de la bibliotheque de feu Mr. le Comte J.-N.-A. de Fortsas. Mons: Emmanuel Hoyois, [not before 10 August 1840]. A later edition including the ‘Avis’. Octavo, disbound. [and:] Jean-Nepomucene-Auguste Pichauld, Comte de Fortsas et Renier Chalon. G. d. l. C: from ‘Le Livre et L’Estampe’, number 9, January 1957. Octavo, printed wrappers.
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