Exposé de la conduite et des torts du sieur Talma, envers les Comédiens Français

First edition, published anonymously by Delaporte, prompt-book secretary of the Comédie-Française.

Contemporary black cloth Bradel binding, smooth spine, red morocco title label with some loss, marbled paper boards, upper corners slightly worn, 19th-century binding.

Copies recorded only at the BnF and in Rouen (CCFr).

Printed initials at the foot of the title page.

Rare summary, by the Comédie-Française prompt-book secretary, of the grievances held by the Company against the actor, focusing particularly on performances of Marie-Joseph Chénier’s play Charles IX.

The play, which achieved immense public success, drew criticism from the Gallican Church, leading to its ban after the 33rd performance.

On 21 July 1790, the play was performed again in defiance of the ban. The Comédie-Française troupe then split between the "revolutionaries" and the other shareholders, who refused to perform with Talma.