First edition on ordinary paper. Half red shagreen binding with corners, spine with five raised bands set with gilt fillets decorated with double gilt compartments, double gilt fillet frames on marbled paper boards, numerous scuffs on boards, rubbed edges, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, top edge gilt. Autograph inscription signed by Henry Becque to the "formidable and astute critic of Le Figaro". Provenance: from the library of Georges Van Parys with his bookplate pasted on verso of front board.