Les oeuvres

The most complete early edition, and the last with some parts in first edition, before that produced in 1857 by Antoine de Latour (which was more exhaustive). "These two volumes, which follow the collection of French poets published by Coustelier, are difficult to find". Brunet, IV, 1071.
Contemporary glazed tawny calf binding. Decorated spine with raised bands. Red morocco title label, black calf volume label. One lack at head of volume I. Linear lack along the third compartment of volume I, measuring 1.5cm. Traces of rubbing. The table has been placed at the end of the first volume. The binder has inverted the two half-titles, placing the first: Les Bergeries in the second volume, and the second: Les pseaumes, at the head of the first. Charming copy.
Racan's poetry follows in the continuity of Desportes and Ronsard. Malherbe, his master whom he met at the age of 16, reproached him for his nonchalance and excessive licenses, but considered him his most gifted pupil; indeed his writing is more fluid, but also more rustic. After Malherbe's death, Racan abandoned his pen for 20 years. Although desirous like his ancestors of distinguishing himself in a military career, his dreamy and distracted nature brought him numerous setbacks and he eventually withdrew from it. He produced in 1619, at the age of 30, the poem that would make him famous: Les Bergeries, which is his most substantial work; and at 24, proposed by Richelieu, he occupied a seat at the French Academy.