MUSSET (Alfred de) — Novels & Short Stories — Illustrati - Lot 215

MUSSET (Alfred de) — Novels & Short Stories — Illustrations by Brunelleschi MUSSET (Alfred de). — Novels & Short Stories. The Two Mistresses; The Fallen Poet; The Opium-Smoking Englishman; The Epistolary Novel; Fantastic Revues. Illustrations by Brunelleschi. Paris, Au Moulin de Pen-Mur, 1949. In-8, 289 pp. and [3] pp., illustrated with 13 full-color color plates by Umberto Brunelleschi, reproduced by the Croutzet workshops in Paris and enhanced with stencil work by Renson Fils. Printed in April 1949 on the Viglino presses. This colation of 289–[3] pp. and 13 plates is confirmed by a sales catalog that precisely describes this volume. Beautiful modern binding in full red and beige morocco leather, the covers adorned with a wide horizontal band of beige morocco framed by gold fillets continuing onto the spine; plain spine bearing the words “ROMANS / ALFRED DE MUSSET / NOUVELLES” in gold lettering. Red and gold marbled endpapers. An illustrated edition forming part of the fine publication of the Works of Alfred de Musset issued by Le Moulin de Pen-Mur in 12 volumes between 1948 and 1949: three volumes of poetry, five of prose, and four of plays, all illustrated by Umberto Brunelleschi. Brunelleschi’s compositions, in his characteristic elegant and theatrical style, are reproduced here in color and stenciled. The photographed copy notably features illustrations from *Les Deux Maîtresses* and *Revues fantastiques*. This is a bound copy, whereas the edition is most commonly found as loose sheets in a cover, folder, and slipcase. The two-tone binding, which is particularly decorative, is therefore a real highlight of this copy. Very good overall condition. A few very slight marks and small stains on the binding; minimal scuffing on the headbands and fore-edges. Interior is fresh and clean; the colors of the illustrations are well preserved. A few threads or stitching ends are visible at the top of some quires, but this does not affect the overall strength of the volume.