TAILHADE, Laurent. Au pays du mufle. - Lot 291

TAILHADE, Laurent. Au pays du mufle. A fine copy on Imperial Japan paper, enhanced with a dedication to Princess Lanskoy, two autograph poems by François Coppée, and a handwritten poem signed by Laurent Tailhade. Paris, Bibliothèque artistique et littéraire, 1894. In-8, paperback, cover printed in red and black. 129 pp., black illustrations in the text and as inserts. Spine creased, cover and paper discolored, first section fragile. A largely original new edition, illustrated with compositions by Hermann Paul, of this satirical collection by Laurent Tailhade (1854–1919). Unnumbered copy on imperial Japanese paper, featuring an autograph dedication signed by the author to Princess Lanskoy (1861–1897) on the half-title page. It is followed by a long autograph poem signed by François Coppée (1842–1908), continuing on the reverse side of the title page, dated July 14, 1897, with the note “reviewed and corrected by L. T.” On the last leaf is a second poem, also in Coppée’s hand and dated July 7, 1897. Both poems, written in a playful tone, are about the July 14th celebration: “Our joy is truly Frrrançais: We celebrate it to the hilt.” This copy is enhanced by a handwritten poem signed by Laurent Tailhade titled “Stances for the New Year” (one and a half pages, in-4 format, in black ink), which appeared in the first issue in 1891. Also included is the issue of the literary and satirical magazine “Les Hommes d’aujourd’hui” dedicated to the author, featuring a color portrait by Léandre (double-leaf in-4). An excellent set.