Honoré de Balzac

First French edition, partly first edition and published one year after the original, one of 10 copies on Holland paper, the only deluxe copies with 2 on China paper.
Bradel binding in half cherry red cloth, smooth spine decorated with gilt floral motif, gilt date and double fillet at foot, rubbed black morocco title label, marbled paper boards, original wrappers preserved, top edge gilt, binding cold-stamped signed Pierson.
Precious and rare signed autograph inscription from Théophile Gautier to Jules Pelletier, Secretary General of the Ministry of State to whom Gautier lent his pen.
He thanked him by interceding with the Emperor who appointed him Officer of the Legion of Honor on August 7, 1858.
Our copy is complete, as frontispiece, with the portrait of H. de Balzac printed on China paper and etched by E. Hédouin as well as its 3 autograph facsimiles (which are often lacking according to Clouzot).