Mémoires d'outre tombe

First edition. The original wrappers preserved bear the publisher's label from Dion-Lambert (slip pasted over the former address) but the title pages show the address of Penaud frères. Dion-Lambert acquired the remaining stock of the edition and put it back on sale. The list of subscribers as well as the foreword were removed for the reissue. The back cover, also preserved, bears on the verso: Typographie E. et V. Penaud frères.
Full dark green shagreen binding, 20th century, in the spirit of a contemporary binding of the edition. Smooth spine decorated with 2 gilt frames. Boards decorated with a wide frame of multiple fillets. Top edge gilt. Original wrappers and spine preserved. Binding executed on the original sheets, the paper therefore remains uncut. This copy shows some recurring dampstains as follows: Volume 1, from p.95 to 238, pale dampstain at lower right corner then at mid-page. Volume 2, pale dampstain at upper left corner throughout. In volume 4, from p.5 to 192, dampstain at lower margin, right corner. Volume 5, pale dampstain, yellow halo at mid-page throughout, more or less pronounced. Volume 6, Dampstain at mid-page over the first third, then small stains in upper margin. Volume 7, pale dampstain in upper margin at right corner, from beginning to p. 150, resuming from p. 230 to 300. Volume 9, scattered dampstains at mid-page then in corners in the margin. Volume 12, dampstain on the first 2 leaves in upper margin at corner, then resuming on several leaves. Most of these stains show a yellow halo without serious consequence. Scattered foxing.
Fine copy of the first edition of one of the most important texts of French literature, with the rare original wrappers preserved.