LITERATURE] - Lot 23

LITERATURE] HUYSMANS (Joris-Karl)] Le drageoir à épices, Paris, Dentu, 1874 A 12mo volume in half-maroquin with plum-colored corners, smooth spine decorated with a floral design of (4), 115 pages, (1). A copy of the first edition, printed in a run of 300 copies at the author’s expense (which failed to find an audience upon publication: it is said that only four copies were sold in a month). This copy is correctly dated and has the correct cover, clearly showing the error in the author’s first name: Jorris-Karl. Book from the personal library of Jean-Louis Debré (1944–2025), Minister of the Interior from 1995 to 1997. Handwritten note in pencil, attributed to Jean-Louis Debré: “Presented by the directors of the Ministry of the Interior upon my departure, June 4, 1997.” The book contains a descriptive card on paper bearing the letterhead of the French Ministry of the Interior and is accompanied by a handwritten letter from Huysmans, addressed to “Dear Master” and referring to Éditions du Drageoirs aux Épices (a transcription is included). Corners slightly worn. A very interesting set, in good condition.