Atala. René

First collected edition. First illustrated edition and the only edition acknowledged by the author. 6 charming figures by Barth, Garnier, engraved by Saint-Aubin and Choffart. The extremely rare first edition of Atala dates from 1801. René first appeared in Le génie du christianisme in 1802.
Contemporary blonde calf binding with tree calf effect. Smooth spine richly decorated with 2 compartments with grotesque motifs (waves), 2 daisy tools, rolls at foot. Long-grained morocco title-label. Edges gilt. Decorative border on boards with series of framing fillets. Decorative gilt board-edges. Slight surface wear to upper joint at head, traces of rubbing, nibbled area along lower joint at title-label level. Very fine paper freshness.
Definitive text carefully revised by the author. According to Carteret, this edition would not be, as is often claimed, the first authorized by the author.