Cinq-Mars; ou une conjuration sous Louis XIII
Paris: Urbain Canel, Editeur, 1826. First Edition. 2 vols., 8vo.; 8 3/8 x 5 1/8 inches (213 x 130 mm), Vol. 1: [4], 4, 411, 1 [4]; Vol. 2: [4], 4, 494, 1, [4]. Binding signed LORTIC in gilt on turn-ins and small tag on f.e.p., elegant red morocco with dry-stamped fillets on covers and spine compartments, gilt fillets on edges, headbands, 5 raised bands, gilt titles, all edges brightly gilt ; turn-ins with elaborate decorative motifs, marbled endpapers. Spines somewhat sunned, a little rubbing to some bands, internally clean and bright throughout and firmly bound. Vol. 1 has red morocco and gilt library book plate of Henri Bordes pasted inside front cover; both volumes have armorial book plate of Soldati-Hubbard de-Veaux pasted inside front cover.
[Carteret II, 452; Vicaire, VII, 1053; Rahir 672; BNF31577810].
First edition of the work that is considered the first French historical novel and declared "extremely rare" by the dean of French bibliographers, Léopold Carteret (Le trésor du bibliophile: romantique et moderne, 1801-1875; v.2, p. 452) This work is based on the life of Louis XIII's favorite Henri Coiffier de Ruzé, Marquis of Cinq-Mars, who conspired against the Cardinal de Richelieu. The book was engendered by Vigny's youthful interest and readings in history and his great admiration for Sir Walter Scott. Cinq-Mars was not well received by the critics upon publication, but later gained much appreciation, including by authors such as Victor Hugo, who considered it "admirable". The book did however have quick popular success, as demonstrated by several reprints in the years following this first edition, among them the third, issued the following year (1827) and printed by Balzac.
A libretto was made from the novel by Paul Poirson and Louis Gallet, for an opera in four acts and five tableaus by French composer Charles Gounod (1818-1893). It was first performed in Paris in 1877.
Condition: Fine.
Item number: 1072
Price: $3,500.00
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