Albert Robida: illustrated books and early editions

Albert Robida in a few words

Born in Compiègne, Robida began as a press illustrator for Le Journal amusant and La Vie parisienne, then founded and edited the weekly La Caricature. He wrote and illustrated a famous science-fiction trilogy, The Twentieth Century, The War in the Twentieth Century and Electric Life, in which he imagined the telephonoscope, pneumatic tubes and chemical warfare. He parodied Jules Verne in the Extraordinary Voyages of Saturnin Farandoul, travelled the provinces for Old France (Brittany, Normandy, Touraine, Provence), devoted several works to Paris and illustrated Rabelais or Balzac’s Droll Tales. He designed the Old Paris reconstruction for the World’s Fair. His output as an illustrator numbers several dozen volumes.

What we offer

Our stock includes volumes written and illustrated by Robida, works by other authors that he illustrated, issues of La Caricature and books on old French towns. It features the large polychrome publisher’s bindings from Librairie illustrée, modest reprints, privately bound copies and periodical instalments. The grid above lists titles in which Robida’s name appears in the title, whether as author or illustrator.

Identifying a fine Robida edition

For his science-fiction novels and Old France series, the publisher’s decorated percaline binding is a major value factor: bright colours, crisp gilt, corners and headbands intact. The interior should contain all his colour plates and text illustrations, free of significant foxing. For works he illustrated, large-paper copies with suites or colour states are prized. Issues of La Caricature are judged on cover cleanliness and the presence of the plate pages. Our listings note rubbed boards, fragile hinges and any defects.

Buying and conservation advice

Robida’s percaline bindings, often red, blue or green, fade quickly in light: a copy with a uniform spine and bright boards is rare. Store them upright, away from direct sunlight, and do not force the opening of thick volumes. If you are starting a collection, Old France volumes and Robida’s Paris titles offer plenty of illustrations at still reasonable prices; fine copies of his science-fiction works are the most sought-after. Additional photographs are sent on request.

To go further

The illustrated books and decorated bindings are gathered in the Fine books, art and bindings section. The pages dedicated to Jules Verne and H. G. Wells extend the theme of anticipation. The cities and provinces illustrated by Robida have their own pages: Paris, Brittany, Normandy, Provence. The illustrated periodicals are featured in our Antique journals and magazines section, and our guide to 19th-century publisher’s bindings explains the terminology used in the descriptions.