François Coppée — Les Vrais Riches

Paris, Alphonse Lemerre, 1892. First edition. Leather. The first edition of a romance novel in the aristocracy, from an acclaimed French writer nicknamed as 'The Humble Poet', in half morocco, half green pebbled boards. The first edition of Les Vrais Riches (The Really Rich), a romantic novel, written by French poet and author François Coppée. Published by Alphonse Lemerre in 1892.In half morocco, in half green pebbled boards. Contains numerous in-text and full-page intricate ink illustrations by Gambard and Marold.Primarily known as the humble poet, due to his focus on the plain expressions of love, partriotism, and empathy for the poor, it is rather ironic that this particular romance by Coppée focuses on the aristocracy. He was elected to the French Academy in 1884, and awarded the Legion of Honour in 1888. In half morocco, half green pebbled boards. Externally, mostly smart, with slight rubbing to edges and to joints. A couple of small marks to spine and pebbled boards, with small knocks to the head and tail of the spine, and to the extremities. Colourful marble end papers are bright and clean. Internally, firmly bound. Previous owner's inscription to blanks. Pages are bright and clean, with minor age toning and slight offsetting to first blanks. Very Good . Ill.: Gambard and Marold. Very Good .