LOVELY ILLUSTRATED EDITION OF CLARETIE’S MONSIEUR LE MINISTRE, FINELY BOUND

CLARETIE, Jules. Monsieur Le Ministre. Paris: Maison Quantin, [1886]. Octavo, contemporary three-quarter green crushed morocco, elaborately gilt-decorated spine with red morocco onlays, raised bands, marbled endpapers, top edge gilt, uncut. $550.

Lovely illustrated edition of Claretie’s novel, with ten fine etchings by Adrien Marie, handsomely bound by renowned French Art Nouveau bookbinder Thierry successeur de Petit-Simier.

Highly respected historian, critic and playwright Jules Claretie was “one of the most successful literary Frenchmen of his time” (New York Times). Following the Franco-German War Claretie was appointed Director of the Comêdie Francaise and served in that position until his death in 1913. Original printed paper wrappers—front wrapper embellished in colors by hand—bound in.

Near-fine condition.