Classical and modern plays, comedies, dramas, tragedies, performing arts

New edition in German, the first having appeared in 1800.
Contemporary full vellum binding. Smooth spine decorated with 5 fleurons and roulettes. Red morocco title-label. Title-label rubbed. Vellum soiled.
Wallenstein is a dramatic trilogy. The three parts are Wallenstein's Camp, The Piccolomini and The Death of Wallenstein. The trilogy features generalissimo Albrecht von Wallenstein, Duke of Friedland, commander of Ferdinand II's army. He chooses to forge a secret alliance with the Swedes, thus plotting against the Emperor. Unmasked by certain officers including Ottavio Piccolomini, the situation balances between pro and anti-Wallenstein factions. He will be assassinated for...

First edition of the theatrical adaptation of Alphonse Daudet's novel, no mention is made of deluxe copies.
Half hazel shagreen binding, spine with five raised bands, date at foot, marbled paper boards, endpapers and pastedowns, covers and spine preserved, top edge gilt.
Autograph inscription signed by Alphonse Daudet to Stanny Oppenheim.
Light worming at beginning of volume, otherwise handsome copy.

New edition printed in small numbers on laid paper and illustrated with a frontispiece drawing by Leloir engraved by Champollion.
Foreword and notes by Auguste Vitu.
Small stains on the first cover, otherwise a handsome copy.

First edition, one of 26 numbered copies on Hollande, tirage de tête.
Small glued tears, not serious, to head and foot of the joints, a good copy.

New edition illustrated with 78 copperplate engravings by Blanchard after drawings by Tony and Alfred Johannot and the best artists of the period.
Half olive calf bindings, smooth spines richly decorated with gilt Romantic tools and showing minor rubbing of no consequence, marbled paper boards, a small tear at head of front board of first volume, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, marbled edges, contemporary Romantic bindings.
Foxing.
A handsomely executed set.

First edition printed in 206 copies, ours one of the numbered copies on Arches paper.
Full burgundy morocco binding, spine with 6 raised bands decorated with gilt fillets, gilt letter and collection number at head and foot, doublures of burgundy box calf and morocco frame, endpapers lined with burgundy box calf, covers and spine preserved, top edge gilt retaining deckled edges, binding signed Charles Benoit.
Handsome copy perfectly executed.

First edition on ordinary paper, with only 10 deluxe copies printed on Holland paper.
Contemporary half-green shagreen binding, spine with 5 raised bands, covers and spine preserved at front of volume, front cover illustrated in colors by Steinlen.
Our copy is enhanced with an autograph visiting card by the author mounted on stub on the half-title page.
Minor surface wear to headcaps, otherwise handsome copy.

First edition printed on ordinary paper.
Bradel binding in half mouse-grey cloth, smooth spine decorated with a central gilt floral motif, gilt date and double fillet at foot, hazelnut shagreen title-label with traces of rubbing, marbled paper boards, lower corners slightly bumped, original wrappers preserved, contemporary binding signed by Paul Vié.
Our copy is enriched with an autograph note recto-verso by the author.
A small marginal tear skilfully repaired on the first page.

First collected edition. It is illustrated with a frontispiece, repeated in both volumes, a title vignette by Picart also repeated, and 10 unsigned figures, quite charming, showing the actors on stage.
Later full brown sheep binding (circa 1800). Spine with raised bands and fillets. Tan morocco title label. Headcaps worn.
Contemporaries saw in La Grange-Chancel the successor to Racine. He boasted of having the highest capacity for writing verse. His connections brought him to Louis XIV who asked Racine to read it, and the latter sponsored the author's first play. Many of his plays met with fine success, and the author represents, if not a great dramatist, the taste of an era for a...

First edition, one of the Service de Presse (advance) copies, no mention of deluxe copies.
Bradel binding in half flexible cardboard in vellum style, smooth spine faded and decorated with a gilt floral motif, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, original wrappers preserved, red top edge, contemporary binding.
Inscribed by Romain Coolus to Gabriel Timmory.

First edition, one of the Service de Presse (advance) copies, with no mention of deluxe papers.
Bradel binding in half flexible cardboard with vellum-like finish, smooth spine decorated with a floral motif, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, original wrappers preserved, red top edge, contemporary binding.
Our copy is enhanced with a pasted visiting card on which the author has added a few words for Gabriel Timmory.

First edition printed on ordinary paper, with only 5 Hollande deluxe paper copies printed.
Bradel binding in half flexible cardboard with vellum-like finish, smooth spine decorated with a floral motif, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, original wrappers preserved, red top edge, contemporary binding.
Inscribed by Romain Coolus to Gabriel Timmory.
A light marginal dampstain at the foot throughout the entire text block, not affecting the text, diminishing through the pages.

First edition, one of 60 numbered copies on pure thread paper, the only deluxe copies along with 45 Marais.
We include with our copy three autograph letters signed by the author regarding the theatrical performances of "Le Roi Pêcheur," one page each and dated respectively July 26, 1990, December 28, 1990, and August 2, 1991 (Saint Florent le Vieil).
The letters, addressed to the administration of the Théâtre des Célestins, concern the theatrical performance of Le Roi Pêcheur, Julien Gracq's sole and only play, written in 1942-1943. In the first letter, the author gives his agreement regarding the conditions set by the Theatre concerning his rights on the...

First edition of which there were no deluxe copies.
Spine and covers marginally faded, paper yellowed, which is more than common given the very poor quality of this paper.
Rare.

First collected edition. Title pages in red and black.
Contemporary full calf bindings with scale pattern. Decorated raised band spines. Red morocco title labels. Head caps slightly worn; same for 6 tail caps. Upper joints of volumes II, III, IV, V, VIII, IX and X partly cracked. Many corners bumped. Most half-titles were not bound into the volumes. Despite these defects, a set with good general appearance, decorative.
In addition to the poetic, dramatic, and critical works, and the fables, this edition contains various letters about De La Motte and his famous correspondence with the Duchess of Lambert at the end of his life. It should be noted that he was the author of L'Europe...

First edition of one of Ponsard's major works, false statement of seventh edition.
Contemporary binding in half aqua green sheep, smooth spine, gilt title.
Handsome copy.

Pre-first edition of this play, published by Calmann-Lévy in September 1891.
Extracted from the Revue des Deux Mondes.
Rare.
In unlettered wrappers.

First edition, one of the numbered copies from the first printing.
Small marginal stains on the first cover, two slight marginal tears at the head of the joints.

New edition of Raynouard's Templier, illustrated with a frontispiece representing the Grand Master of the Templars. The Cornelian grandeur of the play, which exalts liberty and virtue, earned it Napoleon's support, a triumph in theater and bookshop, and his entry into the French Academy in 1807
First edition of Dorat's Regulus, illustrated with a figure, a vignette and a tailpiece by Eisen, engraved by Longueil.
New edition of Voltaire's Irene, same year as the original but the title ornament is different, and the author's last play, at 84 years old.
New edition of Picard's Un jeu de la fortune.
First edition of Collin d'Harleville's Artistes, containing a signed...

Rare edition of the seven tragedies of Sophocles in Greek with notes at the end of the work by Thomas Johnson for Electra, Ajax, Antigone and the Trachiniae. Johnson's notes had previously appeared in 1705. This edition was also published in 2 volumes in 8vo, but in a lesser quality printing, this one distinguished by its quality which resembles Baskerville's printing.
Careful printing, with wide margins.
Contemporary speckled full calf binding. Smooth spine decorated with 5 tools and stars. Headcaps and corners restored. Triple-ruled frame. Gilt edges.

First edition. Illustrated with a handsome frontispiece title. This edition is distinguished by learned and studied typography, the text is in italics and the notes at the bottom of pages.
Contemporary full vellum binding with overlapping flaps. Smooth spine. Title label added to headcap and partly detached. Good overall condition. Very fresh copy.
Edition established by Marc Zuerius Boxhornius (1612-1653), celebrated Dutch critic and scholar who was professor of eloquence at 19 years old at Leiden and succeeded Daniel Heinsius in the chair of history.
Handsome and interesting edition by Hacke in Leiden.

Edition published the same year as the original.
Two corner creases to covers, handsome interior condition.

First separate edition, this one banned for Belgium and foreign countries.
Half raspberry red shagreen binding, smooth spine decorated with gilt and blind fillets as well as gilt stars, red sheep boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, contemporary binding.
Copy free from foxing.

First edition of the French version, in verse and prose, established by Jean Richepin, one of the rare copies on salmon-colored paper of which no mention is made.
Light lacks to the spine, one joint cracked at foot, tears and small corner lacks to the boards, small lacks to some deckled edges, which is almost inevitable given the fragility of this paper.
Rare full-margined copy.

First edition of which there were no deluxe copies mentioned.
Handsome copy.

First edition printed in a small number of copies, only 10 Holland deluxe copies were printed.
Half cherry red shagreen binding with corners, spine with five raised bands decorated with gilt fillets, gilt fillets on marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, top edge gilt.
Work illustrated with an engraved frontispiece drawn by Bracquemond.
Handsome and rare copy.

First edition of this adaptation of Schiller's drama and its important preface established by Benjamin Constant.
Half hazel sheep binding, smooth spine decorated with gilt fillets slightly faded at foot, speckled edges, tiny wormhole at foot of one hinge.
Dampstain to head of final leaves, otherwise a handsome copy.

First edition of this vaudeville comedy in one act.
Half black cloth binding, smooth spine decorated with two small gilt floral motifs, one joint cracked at head and foot, marbled paper boards, edges showing traces of rubbing, original wrappers preserved, contemporary binding.
Some light foxing.
Provenance: from the library of Maurice Clouard with his bookplate.

Belgian piracy edition published one year after the original.
Bradel binding in half sand-colored cloth with corners, smooth spine decorated with a gilt typographical motif, date at foot, navy shagreen title-label, original wrappers preserved, bookplate pasted to verso of front board.
Handsome copy free from foxing.

Elzevier edition of these tragedies by Seneca with the highly esteemed notes by the English grammarian Thomas Farnaby (or Farnabie). The first edition with Farnaby's notes is that of London, 1613. Brunet V, 286. Illustrated with an engraved title-frontispiece.

Contemporary full navy blue morocco binding, raised spine decorated in grotesque style (rolls composed of lozenges within circles), sawtooth fillet border and wave roll border on covers, gilt edges, interior fillet.

Very handsome antique morocco binding.

First edition.
Half electric blue cloth Bradel binding with corners, smooth spine decorated with gilt floral motif, chocolate shagreen title-label with slight lack, double gilt fillet at foot, original wrappers preserved, contemporary binding.
Precious inscription from Jules Lemaître to Galipaux who created the role of Leplucheux in this play.
Numerous press cuttings regarding the cast of this play pasted to endpapers with manuscript annotations by a previous owner of the work.

First edition, one of 196 numbered copies on Arches paper, the only printing with 4 on Japan paper.
Publisher's inscription, bibliophile's stamp on title page, handsome copy.

First edition of the translation by L. Tailhade, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Autograph inscription signed by Laurent Tailhade to his morphine-addicted friend Dominique Bonnaud.
Frontispiece by E. Gabard, charming head- and tailpieces in Art Nouveau style.
Spine sunned, some stains on the covers.

First edition, one of 45 numbered copies on vélin pur fil, the only large paper copies.
One small stain, not serious, to upper cover, a good copy.

First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Work illustrated with colored drawings by Gorguet, music by Gabriel Pierné.
Handsome copy.

First edition.
Binding in half morocco cherry of Russia, smooth back decorated with a golden floret, date in tail, preserved covers.
Autograph dedication signed by François Coppée to Paul Foucher.
Our copy is enriched with an autograph ticket of the author inviting the dedicatee to attend the performance of this piece, invitation attached.
Nice copy pleasantly established.

Factitious collection composed of 5 pieces (in separate pagination) by La Fosse illustrated with 5 frontispieces by Van d'Aveele published by Desbordes between 1698 and 1702. General title in red and black. Polixene. 1698. Thesee. 1702. Manlius Capitolinus (same date as the original). 1698. Gabinie. 1700. Le distrait. 1698.
Contemporary full calf binding, decorated spine with raised bands.
'It was only at the age of forty-three that Lafosse brought to the stage POLIXENE, his first tragedy. This work had great success during seventeen performances. The Dauphin, attending the second, was so pleased with the actors' performance that he had them given a hundred louis. Two years after...

First edition.
Half black shagreen binding, spine in four compartments decorated with blind-tooled panels, traces of rubbing to boards.
Gift inscription in ink, scattered foxing.

First edition printed on laid paper in a run of 100 copies of this pantomime in three acts interspersed with dialogues.
Autograph inscription signed by R. de. Najac.
Music by Léon Przepiorski de Cay.
Spine absent, front cover loose with slight corner lacks.
Very rare.

First edition.
Bradel binding in full caramel cardboard, smooth spine with small lacks at head and foot decorated with gilt fillets, title-label and volume label in red shagreen with small scratches, tears on edges. Work complete with the frontispiece portrait of Mr de Fongeray and the facsimile of his handwriting.
Foxing.
Rare.

First edition. Edition not found in German libraries which possess an edition of 1535 in Basel with another commentator, nor in French and English libraries. Fine italic printing in small type. The first edition of Plautus is from 1472. Edition not cited in Brunet.
Later full vellum binding, perhaps 18th century. Spine with raised bands. Manuscript title in black ink in the 19th century.
The comedies of Plautus constitute the largest collection of works that we possess from antiquity. A manuscript note on the title page "Possedet Emilius Friaud professor anno 1855."
Engraved bookplate Jean Baptiste Peyer seigneur de Fontenelle.
Library label of Dr Broca.
Manuscript...

The first three volumes of this collected edition appeared for the first time in 1662, volume IV, published in 1673, contains only pieces in first edition, namely: Laodice, Le baron d'Albikrack, La mort d'Annibal, La comtesse d'orgueil, Ariane, Teodate. The fifth volume contains in first edition La mort d'Achille, Circé, L'inconnu, Le comte d'Essex. The first three volumes each have a frontispiece title and continuous pagination, the other two volumes have separate pagination, with specific title pages for each piece. Each volume bears on its title page, part I, through V.
Contemporary full calf bindings, very ornate raised-band spines. Uniform binding on all 5 volumes. Upper headcap of...

First edition.
Contemporary half blue sheep binding, smooth spine decorated with gilt fillets and dots, slight rubbing to one joint, one lower corner slightly bumped.
Contributions by Charles Cros, Charles Monselet, Gustave Nadaud, Georges Ohnet...
One angular lack not affecting text to pages 181-182, otherwise handsome interior condition.
Rare.

First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Bradel binding in half blue-grey cloth, smooth spine decorated with a gilt typographical motif, date at foot, brown shagreen title-label, original wrappers preserved, contemporary binding.

Edition of 800 numbered copies including 100 on Japan paper. No. 657 on white Marais vellum.
Half old red morocco with corners. Spine with raised bands richly decorated in the spirit of great 17th-century bindings. Gilt fillets to covers. A tear with loss to tail headcap and covers and edges and joints rubbed. Very handsome binding despite the defects. Superb interior condition.
5 large symbolist compositions by Albert Maignan engraved as etchings and printed on China paper. A frontispiece portrait. Ornaments and typographical execution very refined in the taste of the 17th century. Handsome work executed for the 1889 Universal Exhibition.
A bibliophilic gem.

First edition.
Plain paper cover.
Rare.

First edition.
Plain paper cover.
Rare.

First edition.
Plain paper cover.
Rare.

First edition.
Small occasional foxing, otherwise a good copy.

First edition.

Plain paper cover.

Rare.

First edition on ordinary paper.
Half sheep binding with dark green spine, smooth spine decorated with triple gilt fillets, contemporary binding.

New edition.
Bradel binding in half purple cloth, smooth spine decorated with gilt floral motif, date at foot, hazel shagreen title-label, original wrappers preserved.
Small marginal foxing, otherwise a handsome and rare copy.

Some of these plays are first editions. Only the last play is by Lemercier. The work brings together the author's best plays, notably Le Philinte de Molière, a Revolutionary play which had considerable success.
Contemporary full sheep binding. Smooth spine with fleurons and roulettes. Red morocco title label. Roulette frame on boards. 2 corners slightly bumped. A lack of leather at the top of the upper joint. Rubbing to joints, edges.
Fabre d'Églantine (1750-1794) was a strange character, first an itinerant actor then writer of comedies, he became Danton's secretary then deputy to the Convention, to end up guillotined in 1794 (for forgery and use of forgeries), alongside Danton...

First editions.
Bradel binding. One leaf of announce missing at the beginning of the second volume which retains, on the other hand, the folding lithograph by Charlet.
A little light spotting mostly on the last pages of the second volume, otherwise nices copies.

First edition, one of 100 numbered copies on Montgolfier, this copy not justified, the only large paper copies with 40 on Hollande paper.
A tiny lack to foot of spine.

First edition, one of 210 numbered copies on alfa, after only 15 Hollande and 60 pur fil.
A tiny angular lack to upper cover, some small marginal foxing, not serious.

First edition.
Autograph inscription by Xavier de Montépin.
Spine sunned with two small tears at foot, otherwise handsome copy.

New edition published one year after the first in the collection 'La France Dramatique au dix-neuvième siècle'.
The main character of this play, adapted from Eugène Sue's eponymous novel, may have inspired Isidore Ducasse in choosing his pseudonym.
Bradel binding in half cherry percaline, spine decorated with a gilt typographic fleuron, blue shagreen title label, original wrappers preserved.

La Pléiade library edition printed on Bible paper.
Publisher's binding in full brown grained sheepskin, orange top edge, smooth spine decorated with gilt fillets, copy complete with its cellophane wrapper, dust jacket and soft slipcase.
Handsome copy.

First edition, one of 1200 numbered copies on Arches laid paper, the only deluxe copies with 100 other Arches laid paper hors commerce copies.
Photographic frontispiece, handsome copy.

Pléiade library edition printed on Bible paper.
Publisher's full brown grained sheep binding, orange top edge, smooth spine decorated with gilt fillets, complete with its cellophane wrapper, dust jacket and soft slipcase.
Handsome copy despite a very small marginal tear on the slipcase.

Pléiade library edition printed on Bible paper.
Publisher's full brown grained sheep binding, orange top edge, smooth spine decorated with gilt fillets, complete with its cellophane wrapper and soft slipcase.
Handsome copy despite a small lack at the head of the cellophane wrapper at spine level, the slipcase has been restored at foot with an adhesive piece.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Tears and small marginal lacks to the covers.
Rare vaudeville in one act.

First edition printed on laid paper.
Publisher's half hazelnut shagreen binding, spine with five raised bands very lightly sunned, marbled paper boards, publisher's gilt monogram at foot of front board, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, original wrappers preserved, top edge gilt.
Work illustrated with 24 plates.
Handsome copy.

First edition printed on laid paper.
Publisher's half hazelnut shagreen binding, spine with five raised bands very slightly faded, marbled paper boards, publisher's gilt monogram at foot of front cover, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, original wrappers preserved, top edge gilt.
Work illustrated with 45 plates hors-texte.
Handsome copy.

New edition of the French translation, this one by Franz Toussaint, one of 1000 numbered copies on vellum, the only printing with 50 Japan copies.
Half brown shagreen binding with corners, smooth spine slightly faded decorated with gilt floral motifs featuring, as petals, incisions of red shagreen, marbled paper boards, endpapers and pastedowns, covers and spine preserved, top edge gilt, contemporary binding.
Work decorated with numerous ornamental borders and initials in two tones by J. Vergély.
Handsome copy.

First edition published anonymously.
Bradel binding in full boards covered with marbled paper, smooth spine, hazelnut morocco title-label, original wrappers preserved, binding cold-stamped by Henry Joseph successor to Pierson.
Scattered foxing.
Rare.

First edition, one of 500 numbered copies on laid paper, the only deluxe copies with 20 on Arches and 50 on alfa.
Tiny worming without consequence on boards and spine, handsome interior condition.

First edition, one of 60 numbered copies on Arches laid paper, deluxe issue after 10 Japan.
Light worming to spine, otherwise handsome full-margined copy.

First edition, one of 105 numbered copies on Arches laid paper, deluxe copy after 21 Japan.
Spine and boards marginally sunned without gravity, a small lack to foot of spine, otherwise handsome copy with full margins.

First edition, one of 825 numbered copies on antique laid paper.
Illustrated with a frontispiece by J.G. Daragnès.
Some minor foxing of no great consequence.

First edition on ordinary paper.
Signed autograph inscription by the author.
Iconography.
Tiny lack to foot of spine, light scratches to joints, handsome interior condition.

A Service de Presse (advance) copy of the first edition.
Signed and inscribed by the author.
A minor tear at the foot of the spine, complete with publisher's (advertising) slip.

First edition of this theatrical adaptation published anonymously.
Marginal tears with small lacks to spine and boards, pen annotations at head of front board, foxing.
Rare.

New edition, one of the few copies on China paper, the only deluxe copies along with some China and vellum parchment.
Foreword by Baron C. Davillier.
A small tear at foot of front board, otherwise handsome copy.

First edition, with no mention of deluxe copies.
Two small tears at head and foot of spine, occasional foxing.

First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Publisher's full brown cloth Bradel binding, smooth spine. Handsome copy lacking dust jacket.

Pléiade library edition printed on India paper.
Publisher's binding in full brown grained sheepskin, smooth spine decorated with gilt fillets, complete with its cellophane wrapper.
A tiny tear with small loss at head of cellophane wrapper, otherwise a handsome copy.

First collected edition with some parts in first edition.
Half red shagreen binding, spine with five raised bands, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns.
Rare foxing affecting mainly the margins.

First edition, one of 109 numbered copies on Lafuma Navarre paper and reimposed in Tellière quarto format, deluxe copy.
Spine very lightly sunned, occasional worming to endpapers.

First edition, one of 36 numbered copies on Hollande, this one of 6 hors commerce lettered, tirage de tête.
Spine browned, internally good.

First edition, illustrated with a title vignette and 6 figures engraved by Lambert after famous paintings. At the end of the work, 12 pages with engraved frames featuring different motifs including astrological signs, one per month; the souvenir section to be filled in by the owner.
Contemporary full straight-grained red morocco binding. Smooth spine decorated in grotesque style with a central radiating tool and scattered stars (the spine evokes Bozerian bindings). Decorative border on covers. Scattered pale foxing, very light. Edges gilt. Very handsome copy.
The almanac contains the calendar for the year and numerous texts by Ducis, Tissot, Fanny de Beauharnais, Boufflers...

First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Fine autograph inscription from the author to Jean Paulhan: "... des guerriers sans application..."
Spine very slightly faded, otherwise a handsome copy.

First edition of the French translation established by Fernand Crommelynck, one of 20 numbered copies on pur fil, the only deluxe copies with 10 on Holland paper.
Two light traces of sunning without gravity at head and foot of spine, covers slightly and marginally faded, a small stain without gravity on the first deckled edge, otherwise handsome copy with full margins.

First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, false statement of edition.
Illustrated cover.
Spine sunned, handsome interior condition.

First edition, one of 23 numbered copies on Holland paper, deluxe issue with 19 Japan copies.
Spine very lightly sunned without consequence, tiny marginal foxing on first endpaper, handsome full-margined copy.

First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Autograph inscription signed by Eduardo Manet.

First edition, one of 800 numbered copies on bouffant paper, the only issue with 20 alfama.
Work illustrated with a frontispiece by G. Zendel.
Handsome copy.

First edition, one of 750 numbered copies on pure laid paper, the only deluxe copies along with 109 recomposed copies.
Endpapers lightly and marginally aged, handsome copy.