QUESNEL (Joseph). Le Chien de Pique. [Coutances]: Éditions du P.Q.G. [Pou qui grimpe], 1928-1931. - 18 folio issues, 506 x 358. In sheets, illustrated folding covers, dark gray cloth book-box, top cover decorated with a patchwork of spade aces in black, brown, red, orange, white and gold, title composed of gray morocco pieces accompanied by two red and white spade aces on the spine (Martine Clamagirand-Roth). Extremely rare complete collection of this journal of modern art and literature. It comprises 18 issues divided into two series, 12 for 1927-1928 and 6 for 1930-1931. Each issue features an unpublished literary text (4 pp.) and an original signed print, in a flap cover illustrated with a dog by Guy Arnoux (gray for the first series, yellow for the second). The illustrations feature 18 original signed etchings and lithographs by Derain, Galanis, Dignimont, Othon Friesz, Goerg, Marie Laurencin, Foujita, André Lhote, Max Jacob, Despiau, Chas Laborde, Launois, Gus Bofa, Édy-Legrand, Laboureur, Raoul Dufy, Yves Alix and Hermine David. Texts by Maurice du Plessys, Lucie Delarue-Mardrus, Fernand Fleuret, Pierre Mac Orlan, André Salmon, Jean Giono and others. The last page is sometimes occupied by a column and an article entitled "Esprit, es-tu là?..." (Spirit, are you there?). A painter, writer, engraver and publisher, Joseph Quesnel (1897-1931) founded Le Pou qui grimpe in 1915, a group of artists whose aim was to "renovate popular art" and make Coutances known beyond the borders of Normandy. Under the P. Q. G. banner, a number of fine books were published, including the Almanach des saisons, Remy de Gourmont's La Petite Ville and Giono's Églogues. After moving to Paris, Quesnel launched an ambitious art and literature magazine, bringing together the best artists of the 1930s: "Thanks to Le Chien de Pique, here is a periodical anthology where, each month, subscribers will find an unpublished work by one of the most representative artists of our time. The collection of all these issues will form the most vivid testimony to today's art. To pay homage to all our glories, Le Chien de Pique will publish in each issue a few previously unpublished pages (verse or prose) by our most justly famous writers" (extract from the first issue). Limited edition of 150 copies. Each plate is hand-numbered in pencil, signed by the artist and stamped with Le Chien de Pique's cold stamp. Exceptional set, preserved in a decorated box by Martine Clamagirand-Roth. Marks of wetness on upper board and spine, some marginal foxing, spotting on two plates.