From the library of Georges Claretie (the son of Jules Claretie), with an autograph note “18th May 1904 J. Cl.” and printed bookplate.
When the press proves prophetic… Two days before the premiere of Hernani, the Journal des débats predicted that the play would likely become a “battlefield”: on one side, the classicists, outraged by the liberal tone of the work; on the other, the unruly youth who, rallying around Victor Hugo, defended artistic freedom. Supporters came from Rouen, Angers, Dijon and Lille to back Hugo, who distributed passes to these reinforcements from his own apartment. February 25, 1830, the day of the premiere, lived up to expectations: the actors performed amid disorder, brawls and whistles. But the success matched the tumult. Even before the performance ended, the author sold his manuscript to the publisher Mame, and was carried home in triumph: the battle of Hernani had been won. It was translated into English almost immediately.
A good copy; some small losses of paper to the boards.
From the library of Georges Claretie (label) and Jules Claretie (manuscript ownership inscription, dated 1904, at the head).