About the binding:
Full French binding Red, brown and dark brown goatskin leather with six different coloured leather bands stretched diagonally across the spine. Author's name hand-gilded in large block letters on the front and back covers, title and decorative line in gold on the spine. Hand-carved headband, brown top edge. Full endpapers in wine-red scrap paper. Simple slipcase, lined with light brown velour material and covered with dark brown paper. (poor condition, spine bleached)
About the content:
Arthur Koestler: Le Yogi et le Commissaire with a foreword by Gérard Bauër, Éditions Charlot, Paris, 1952
A captivating story that deals with the themes of spirituality, science and human nature. The inspector, who is investigating a mysterious murder case, meets a yogi who not only helps him solve the crime, but also imparts deeper philosophical and spiritual insights. The story highlights the conflict between rational science and mystical spirituality and encourages the reader to reflect on the connection between body and mind.
About the artist: Jean Knoll was originally an artist who was both painting and drawing. He took up bookbinding in the late 1950s. After attending the École Estienne, he had a post there as a professor from 1956 onwards. From the very beginning, he set high standards for the quality of the designs. Initially, his designs were still classical, until his unique artistic approach emerged, which influenced the development of fine binding. His approach is whimsical and ironic. Although each of his bindings is sketched out, its design is by no means fixed. Knoll only partially adheres to his original sketch as he respects the individual character of the materials he uses and leaves it plenty of scope. He does not reject chance in favour of the desired outcome, but uses it to achieve an effect that is to be redefined through the incorporation of a wide variety of materials. This approach offers unlimited possibilities. Great attention is paid to the book itself and the text. Each binding is a manifestation of reflection and elegance; art has priority.
