BECKER (Léon). Alphabet of insects. Engravings by F. Méaulle. Library of education and recreation. J. Hetzel & Cie. 18, rue Jacob. Paris. [1883]. Imprimeries réunis, rue du Four, 54 bis. Paris. Printed by Petrot Garnier in Chartres [for the cover]. In-4 (27,5 x 18,5 cm). (24) ff. printed on front cover, 8 pages of publisher's BR catalog [in preparation for 1884]: publisher's album, red percaline spine, first cover illustrated in brown and red, various beetles reading a primer in a vignette in the center, ornate red frames and double filleted brown and red frame, publisher's catalog on second. Unique edition of an almost surrealist primer illustrated by Léon Becker (1826-1909) with surprising humanized insects. Belgian naturalist painter, he had also published and illustrated four volumes on the arachnids of Belgium. One engraving per sheet printed in recto, ovoid shape, bearing the letter engraved in the image and framed in red with syllables and different names placed in the illustration. One to two letters per page (no Q or W, X, Y and Z on the same page) completed with one page of illustrated letters and one of numbers and vowels. Engravings by Fortuné Méaulle (1844-1916). Uncommon alphabet. Partly unbound, inner hinges cracked and restoration on the cuts. Provenance: Henry Caplain Saint-André (1856-1919).