Vers les temps meilleurs
Paris, Pelletan, (July 10, 12 and 16) 1906.
3 vols. (150 x 205 mm) of 95, 104 and 107 p. Half orange-brown morocco with corners, spine ribbed, gilt title, top edge gilt, date gilt at foot, original wrappers and spines preserved (binding signed M. Alix).
First edition, illustrated with eleven portraits by Leroux and Steinlen, engraved by Florian and Perrichon.
One of 35 deluxe copies on Imperial Japan paper (no. 23), justified and signed by the publisher, with the engravings printed on China paper and signed by the artists.
One of 35 deluxe copies on Imperial Japan paper (no. 23), justified and signed by the publisher, with the engravings printed on China paper and signed by the artists.
A few days after this collection of political texts was published, France — who had signed Zola’s manifesto in support of Dreyfus — stood in the courtyard of the École Militaire alongside Madame de Caillavet. It was 21 July, and Captain Alfred Dreyfus was being awarded the Légion d’honneur. France addressed him with these words: “Today’s ceremony crowns a work of justice and reparation… I clasp your hands…”
Vers les temps meilleurs could well have been inscribed above this scene — had history not since tragically contradicted it.
#27049
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