A superb example of this rarity of Gothic literature in a fine Parisian binding. The binding has been retained in sparklingly fine condition. Two inconspicuous book-labels to the front blank. A fine, tall set, barely trimmed with many leaves uncut, all beautifully clean with no chips or tears. Engraved title pages to both volumes, complete with half titles. Titled in gilt, with gilt dentelles and edges and marbled endpapers. Two volumes, exquisitely bound by Cuzin in mid-nineteenth century full green morocco with raised bands to the spine and geometric border design to covers and spine compartments. Joints and extremities discreetly restored, joints rubbed at head, some pale foxing, a very good copy.įirst edition, first issue with no subsequent edition statement on the title page.
Provenance: Juste Daniel Olivier, 1807-1876, Swiss poet (calligraphic gift inscription signed "Olivier" with red wax seal on front flyleaf, dated 19 April 1832, recipient illegible). Wood-engraved title vignettes by Tony Johannot. Contemporary tree sheep, spines gilt with red morocco lettering- and numbering-pieces. Clouzot 86-87: "Les exemplaires de la premiere tranche, sans mention d'edition et sans nom d'auteur sont extremement rares" Carteret Romantique I, 400 Lhermitte 317 Ray French Illustrated Book 180 Vicaire IV, 256. This copy appears to have been a presentation from Hugo's fellow writer and acquaintance, Juste Olivier. Lamartine called him 'the Shakespeare of prose fiction'" (The New Oxford Companion to Literature in French). "The success of this darkly moving novel was immediate, establishing Hugo as the premier historical novelist of his time. Published on 16 March 1831 in an edition of 1,100 copies, the first printing was issued in four separate groups of 275 each, with the subsequent three issues being fictitiously labelled as the second, third and fourth editions on their respective title pages. Copies of this issue preserved in contemporary bindings are exceedingly scarce.
is the rarest of all the works of Victor Hugo it has had a resounding impact worldwide, and is one of the most difficult titles of the Romantic period to obtain" (Carteret). First edition, first printing, first issue, of Hugo's gothic masterpiece, in a contemporary binding.
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