Balzac Touraine Edition 15 Lost Illusions Part 1 - Two Poets Part III: Eve and David. Honore De Balzac Comedie Humaine, copyright 1901

Very Rare Book - Balzac Touraine Edition 15 Lost Illusions Part 1 : Two Poets Part III: Eve and David. Honore De Balzac Comedie Humaine, copyright 1901 by John D. Avil. This Touraine edition de luxe of the complete works of Honore de Balzac is limited to twelve hundred and fifty sets, of which this copy is number 61. This is also the only one that is for sale.
This is a unique oppurtunity to own one of the rarest of Balzac Books. This book has unique binding that I have been unable to find another. Condition is fair for its age.
Book Measures 9" x 6"

DEDICATION To Monsieur Victor Hugo, It was your birthright to be, like a Rafael or a Pitt, a great poet at an age when other men are children; it was your fate, the fate of Chateaubriand and of every man of genius, to struggle against jealousy skulking behind the columns of a newspaper, or crouching in the subterranean places of journalism. For this reason I desired that your victorious name should help to win a victory for this work that I inscribe to you, a work which, if some persons are to be believed, is an act of courage as well as a veracious history. If there had been journalists in the time of Moliere, who can doubt but that they, like marquises, financiers, doctors, and lawyers, would have been within the province of the writer of plays? And why should Comedy, qui castigat ridendo mores, make an exception in favor of one power, when the Parisian press spares none? I am happy, monsieur, in this opportunity of subscribing myself your sincere admirer and friend, DE BALZAC.

Illusions perdues — in English, Lost Illusions — is a serial novel written by the French writer Honoré de Balzac between 1837 and 1843. It consists of three parts, starting in provincial France, thereafter moving to Paris, and finally returning to the provinces. Thus it resembles another of Balzac's greatest novels, La Rabouilleuse (The Black Sheep, 1842), in that it is set partly in Paris and partly in the provinces. It is, however, unique among the novels and short stories of La Comédie humaine (The Human Comedy, 1829–1848) by virtue of the even-handedness with which it treats both geographical dimensions of French social life.

Vintage/Antique Items:
Please note that most vintage/antique items may have minor wear due to their age and being loved, which we believe only adds to the charm and patina of these pieces. Because the items sold in our shop are vintage or antique, there are often small condition issues, which we do our best to accurately disclose and photograph in the listings.

While we try very hard to describe our items accurately, it is possible that the eye of a true collector might see something that we do not. If you are particular about your vintage items, please ask questions before you buy. We really want you to be happy with your item and have confidence in your purchase.