Cinq années de ma vie 1894-1899

First edition, one of the 50 numbered copies on papier japon, the only grands papiers (deluxe copies). One of the few named copies, this one printed especially for Dr. Anselme Weill.

Half red morocco binding, top edge gilt. Original wrappers preserved

Very rare copy signed and inscribed by Alfred Dreyfus: “au Dr Weill, Souvenir reconnaissant et affectueux. A. Dreyfus” (“to Dr. Weill, grateful and affectionate souvenir. A. Dreyfus”)

The last letters of the word “affectueux” trimmed by the binder.

Dr. Anselme Weill was charged with the difficult task of announcing to the Dreyfus family the news of Alfred's life sentence and formal degradation. In his book Affaire Dreyfus, L'Honneur d'un patriote, Vincent Duclert writes: “Mathieu [Dreyfus, Alfred's brother] had asked a relative of the Hadamard family, Dr. Weill, to wait for the announcement of the verdict and to bring the news to the apartment on rue de Châteaudun, where a small group of friends and family members was waiting. He arrived at half past seven in the evening.” He also reveals that Anselme Weill had testified on behalf of Alfred Dreyfus at his trial: “Other allegations could be rejected, for example those directed towards Dr. Weill, whose wife was a third cousin of Lucie Dreyfus. 'I attest, as the very frequent, almost daily relations that I had with him as a relative, as a doctor and as a friend, allow me to do so, I attest that Dreyfus was always a perfect husband, and that I never knew him to be a gambler nor a libertine. However, it is just the opposite that I am made to say, and I protest against these allegations. I have nothing to add', he declared to the court.”

As expected, Alfred Dreyfus sent one of the rare copies on papier japon to Weill, his cousin, friend and one of his most ardent defenders.
The copies printed on papier japon (probably 25 numbered copies sold by subscription and 25 named copies for close friends and main supporters) inscribed by Alfred Dreyfus are extremely rare. Only a few recipients are known: Émile Zola, Colonel Picquart, Dr. Brissaud, Emmanuel Vidal-Nacquet, Mrs. Henri Bernheim (his niece), Bernard Lazare (now in the Musée de Bretagne) and Sacha Guitry.

Provenance: library of Anselme Weill.

Rare and handsome uncut copy.