VARILLE, Mathieu.   BONHEUR DES JARDINS.         Lyons, Chez Marius Audin,   1944.          Signed presentation copy from the author exclaiming (in French) that "the gardens of Provence are the most beautiful in the world.". One of 500 numbered copies. Illustrated with engravings by Phillippe Burnot. This is Varille's reverie on gardens (humanist gardens) informed not only by a keen appreciation of nature, but, also, by a knowledge of France's garden history. The individual chapters discuss different types of gardens: jardin potager, la roseraie, jardin medicinal, "jardins de gloire et d'architecture francaises," "jardins d' Orient," etc., Though the text does not focus on Provencal gardens, its engraved illustrations by Burnot clearly show their influence. The book was completed at Lourmarin in Provence, and a copy of the bulletin of Des Amis De Lourmarin with a memorial notice of the publisher, Audin, is laid in.   4to (28.8 x 23 cm), unbound as issued; 131 + ( 5) pp. + engraved frontispiece + 10 engraved plates.            Original printed paper covers with stiff boards enfolded, fore-edges partially uncut. $200.00

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