POWERS OF THE BOOK
An artist's book co-published with the Atelier du Livre d’Art et de l’Estampe of the Imprimerie Nationale
As technological revolutions shake our world, causing unprecedented epistemological and existential fractures, the time has come to celebrate the book, this “artifact of ink and paper,” this “guarantor of our values,” whose existence depends on the concerted action of the writer, the publisher, but also the stationer, the type designer, the typesetter, the illustrator, the engraver, the printer, the bookbinder, the gilder… Pouvoirs du livre is a reflection on the book as an object, as well as on the part of ourselves it contains—and preserves.
Codex 2026
From 7th to 10th February 2026
We are delighted to announce that les éditions Leal Torres will participate to CODEX X in Oakland, San Francisco Bay, California, from February 7 to 10, 2026.
On this occasion, we will unveil Powers of the Book, a copublication with the Atelier du Livre d'Art & de l'Estampe of the Imprimerie nationale created especially in honour of CODEX Books Fair. Produced in partnership with artisans, this volume follows the creation of a major work by Flaubert, and muses on the importance of preserving the paper and ink book in the face of a rapidly-changed world.
Featuring an original text by Pierre-Marc de Biasi and original etchings by Louise Bescond.
Publication date: February 2026
Box size : 53 x 37,5 cm
Book size : 45,5 cm x 30 cm
Price: 2 500 €
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AUTHORS, ARTISTS AND ARTISANS
The rare book as a living space of creation, art, and memory
PIERRE-MARC DE BIASI
Author, artist, researcher
Pierre-Marc de Biasi is an artist, researcher, and writer. His work is located at the intersection of visual arts, literary research, and humanities. Author of numerous books and producer for Arte and France Culture, he regularly exhibits both in France and internationally.
LOUISE BESCOND
Art bookbinder
Born in 1984 in Les Lilas, Louise Bescond lives in Brussels since 2005. A graduate of the École Estienne, she obtained a master's degree in bookbinding from La Cambre in 2008. Her career took off in 2013with her first exhibition at the Librairie Nicaise. Between 2015 and 2019, she furthered her studies with Renaud Vernier, Maître d’art. Supported by leading figures in the art world, her bindings were exhibited at the Galerie Charpentier in 2017 and at the Librairie Métamorphoses in 2021.
IMPRIMERIE NATIONALE
Atelier du Livre d'art et de l'Estampe de l'Imprimerie Nationale
The origin of the Atelier du Livre d'Art et de l'Estampe (Art Book and Print Workshop) dates back to 1538, when Francis I appointed the first king's printer for Greek, a founding act in the history of printed writing in France. Heir to the Royal Printing House founded in 1640, which successively became the Imprimerie de la République, Imperial, and National Printing House, it preserves a unique collection of punches, listed as a historic monument. Drawing on rare expertise spanning the entire typographic and intaglio printing chain, the workshop collaborates with artists and publishers on exceptional projects.
Contact us
Please contact us to learn more about our artist’s books, arrange a private viewing, or share an acquisition project. We would be delighted to discuss these rare and singular works with you.
contact@editionslealtorres.com
Tel: + 33 (0)6 16 34 81 69
790 Avenue Maurice Donat BAT D
06250 Mougins
Edition:
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10 unique copies numbered 1 to 10
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5 non-commercial copies numbered I to V
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Bilingual English-French edition, with a translation (US) by Charles Penwarden, published on the occasion of CODEX X
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All copies are signed by the author and the artist
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A handwritten note by Louise Bescond relates the origin of the work on the back of each print.