Stendhal; Paul Verlaine; Stéphane Mallarmé - Bibliothèque de la Pléiade - Première édition Verlaine 1938 - 5 volumes - - 1945-1955

Set of 5 ancient volumes from the Bibliothèque de la Pléiade – NRF / Gallimard – 1938 to 1955

Fine set bringing together three major figures of French literature: Paul Verlaine, Stendhal and Stéphane Mallarmé.

These five volumes exhibit the characteristics of the old editions of the Bibliothèque de la Pléiade: soft green leather bindings, spines adorned with gold fretwork and impression on fine paper.

Details of the works :

1. Paul Verlaine – Complete poetic works – 1938

* Text established and annotated by Y.-G. Le Dantec.
* First edition in the Bibliothèque de la Pléiade.
* First printing, completed on 14 May 1938.
* Volume no. 47 of the collection.
* Original binding showing light wear, without dust jacket.
* Paper slightly yellowed with time, interior solid and well preserved.

2. Stendhal – Novels and tales – Volume I – 1952

* Text established and annotated by Henri Martineau.
* Old edition of the Bibliothèque de la Pléiade.
* Some light stains on the binding and minor wear at the top edge.
* Interior very clean.
* Presence of a manuscript family dedication, with no particular literary attribution.

3. Stendhal – Novels and tales – Volume II

* Text established and annotated by Henri Martineau.
* Complementary volume to Volume I.
* Old plastic protective cover severely deteriorated, to be replaced.
* Binding yellowed and partially worn.
* Interior very clean.

4. Stendhal – Intimate works – 1955

* Text established and annotated by Henri Martineau.
* Legal deposit of the second quarter of 1955.
* Binding and interior in good condition.

5. Stéphane Mallarmé – Complete works – 1945

* Text established and annotated by Henri Mondor and G. Jean-Aubry.
* Legal deposit of 1945.
* Binding and interior in good condition.

Overall condition:
Ancient set showing signs of use and variable conservation depending on the volume. Interiors are generally clean and well preserved. Some wear to bindings and protective covers are to be noted, particularly on Stendhal Volume II.

Verlaine’s 1938 edition constitutes the main bibliophilic interest of this collection thanks to its first printing.

The photographs are an integral part of the description and allow assessment of the state of the five volumes.