Notre coeur

First edition, one of 150 numbered copies on Hollande, the only deluxe issue copies after 5 on Japon.
A very fine copy, as issued, with an important manuscript document by Elme-Marie Caro, 1 page in ink on a double leaf, undated [1887 ?].
Maupassant's last novel Notre Coeur is also one of his most autobiographical. The writer was strongly influenced in this piece by famous literary and artistic "Salons" held by high society women, which he frequently attended. The novel confronts a man of letters with one of these strong-headed women of late 19th-century Paris. He describes the main character Michèle de Burne as "a woman of refinement, of indeterminate sensibility, restless, without fixed resolves, her feelings in constant turmoil, who seemed to have made it part of her experience to employ every narcotic that quiets the aching nerves: chloroform that stupefies, ether and morphine that excite to abnormal reverie, kill the senses, and deaden the emotions"
Maupassant sketches the fictional portrait of Countess Potocka, to whom he was one of the most fervent suitors, called "Macchabées" or "morts d'amour" , according to the rules of the literary game created in her famous Salon. He paints the picture of his unrequited love through this modern, liberated although oppressive woman, who only finds pleasure in the enslavement of her lover.

Our copy exceptionally contains a precious "Convocation extraordinaire du Club des Macchabées", an amusing original document written by philosopher Elme-Marie Caro.
Countess Potocka is referred to in the document as "the Patroness, Head of the Executive and Decorative Power of the Macchabees", and the list of her suitors "specially and ex officio summoned, without procrastination or apology" includes some of the Countess's Salon regulars: Clovis Bachelier, Adrien de Montebello, Olivier Taigny and Dubois were members of the administrative committee, painters Jean Béraud and Henri Gervex represented the art world, and writers Georges Legrand, Elme-Marie Caro and Gustave Schlumberger the literary world. The "President" of this society is none other than famous actor Coquelin aîné, member of the Comédie française.
Although he does not appear on this invitation, Maupassant played a major role in this infamous group as "Perpetual Secretary of the Permanent Council of the Club des Macchabées".
A precious document bearing witness to the fascinating Countess who inspired Maupassant, Marcel Proust for his Duchesse de Guermantes and Aimé Guerlain who created for her his Shore's Caprice perfume.