Books

Brussels: Alph. Lebègue, 1844. First Edition. Hardcover. Very good. 5 vols. in 2. 1st edition (published by Lebègue), 1st issue (in 18mo.). Undoubtedly the real 1st edition, listed first by Munro (Alexandre Dumas Pere. A Bibliography of Works Published in French), its priority undisputed by anyone credible, and preceding all other 1844 editions, including those from Meline, Muquardt, 3 editions from Librairie Hauman, Lebègue’s reissue in 24mo., and Baudry’s 1844 Paris edition (issued last of all the 1844 editions and the most common). Contemporary half calf, some rubbing and wear, joints strengthened, else very good, and complete with all 5 half–titles. Collation: [1]–181, [1 blank]. [1]– 172. [1]–171, [1 blank]. [1]–163.[1 blank]. [1]–223, [1 blank] pp. Fine half morocco and wood veneer case. A scream out loud unearthing, rare by any criterion, and read the next sentence slowly. This is the rarest 1st edition, by census, of any novel, by anyone, that could…