Pottier, Eugene — Quel Est le Fou?: Chansons

Paris, France, Henry Oriol, Editeur, 1884. First Edition. Hardcover. Size: 12mo 7" - 7. Eugène Édine Pottier was born on October 4, 1816 and died on the sixth of November, 1887. He was "a French revolutionary, poet, song-writer, and freemason," according to his Wikipedia entry, best known for having penned the lyrics to the Left-wing anthem, "The Internationale." French language texts throughout, and with a Preface by Gustave Nadaud. Marbled paper over boards, quarter-leather backed, with five raised bands to spine and with particularly finely stamped fleurs-de-lis and gilt points to each spine. Bound handsomely In-12, brown half-basane (contemporary binding), and it appears to be the original edition. An original member of the French Communard, and penned after he'd returned from the U.S. after the collapse of the Commune, and in ill health, won First Prize in a song-writing competition out of 300 fellow competitors. The writer of the Preface, G. Nadaud, and another friend, Chebroux, to figure out how best to publish his work. This is the first volume of Pottier's work, and Quel est le fou? is also the title of the eponymous first song in the collection. During the second French Revolution (1848) and the even briefer Second Republic he became a chief "chansonniers," writer and singer and performer of chansons sociales, which were particularly popular with a largely (70%) illiterate French populace. The Wikipedia e titles such as "Etats généraux du travail" [Estates General of Labor] "Liberté, égalité, fraternité, et gaité" (best translated as "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity--and Fun"). From the personal library of Gershon Legman, as transmitted through his fabulous widow, Judith Legman. xii, 178 pp,Member, I.O.B.A., C.B.A., and adherent to the highest ethical standards. . . . Very Good