Cromwell

First edition enhanced with 5 engravings from the 1840 collected edition by Furne, by Camille Rogier and Tony Johannot. The print run, as specified by Clouzot (Guide du bibliophile français), was 1075 copies on laid paper, and some copies on rather fine vellum, with a question mark. This copy is part of the special printing on vellum of which the number of copies is unknown, but it is necessarily from a small print run.
Full morocco binding ca 1860 signed Amand at top of endpaper. Spine with raised bands richly decorated, triple ruled frame on boards. Wide interior border. Edges gilt. Traces of rubbing on bands, joints and corners. Narrow split in leather at beginning of lower joint at head. Paper perfectly fresh with occasionally tiny spots in margin.
Fine copy of the rare printing on fine vellum.
Hugo's play, of unusual length at 6920 verses, was reputed unperformable, notably due to its numerous scene changes. It definitively breaks with classical theater. The famous preface to the play will remain as a manifesto of romantic theater.