La Joie de vivre
Paris, Charpentier, 1884.
1 vol. (115 x 180 mm) of 447 p. and 4 pages of catalogue. Half burgundy morocco with corners, spine ribbed and decorated, gilt title, top edge gilt, gilt fillets on covers, date gilt at foot, original wrappers and spine preserved (binding signed Semet et Plumelle).
First edition.
One of 150 copies on Hollande paper (no. 112).
One of 150 copies on Hollande paper (no. 112).
The twelfth volume in the Rougon-Macquart series, La Joie de vivre sets the character of Pauline — the little girl already glimpsed in Le Ventre de Paris — against that of Lazare, in a text that departs from the cycle’s usual social concerns. A psychological novel, partly autobiographical in the chapters dealing with the death of Pauline’s mother, both characters are tormented, as is their surroundings, where the sea rages against the coast at Arromanches.
The book notably appears in two paintings by Vincent van Gogh: Still Life with Bible and Vase with Oleanders.
The deluxe printing includes a few copies on China paper and 10 copies on Japanese paper.
A good copy.
#29290
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