2 Vol. "Comédies et Proverbes" French Half Purple Leather Books

These two volumes, Comédies et Proverbes by Alfred de Musset, were published in Paris by Librairie des Bibliophiles (E. Flammarion, successeur) at 26, Rue Racine. Although the exact year is not printed in the photographs, editions under this imprint generally date to the late 19th or early 20th century. Alfred de Musset (1810–1857) was a prominent figure of the French Romantic movement, renowned for his poetry, prose, and especially his theatrical works. The plays gathered here—often referred to as “Comédies et Proverbes”—combine wit, charm, and a philosophical undercurrent, reflecting the broader Romantic interest in individual emotions, personal freedom, and the complexities of love.

Musset wrote these plays during the mid-19th century, a period in which French theatre was evolving from the grand neoclassical style toward more personal, introspective dramas. His comedies were partly a reaction to this shifting cultural landscape: they employ humor and clever dialogue while addressing human relationships and moral dilemmas. Though they bear the name “Proverbes,” these short plays are not simple moralistic pieces; instead, they often contain surprising plot twists, ironic commentary, and nuanced examinations of love, pride, and society’s expectations. In the decades following Musset’s death, publishers like Librairie des Bibliophiles catered to a growing audience of collectors and literary enthusiasts who sought elegantly produced volumes of classic French authors, thus preserving and celebrating Musset’s contributions to French literature.

The binding of this set is a refined half-leather style with marbled boards, a design typical of fine French bindings from the late 19th or early 20th century. The spines are richly decorated with gilt tooling in floral or filigree patterns, and the titles—“A. de Musset,” “Comédies et Proverbes,” and the volume numbers—are lettered in gilt. The marbled paper on the boards presents swirling patterns of red, blue, and gold tones, harmonizing with the warm brown leather corners and spines. Internally, each volume includes a frontispiece portrait or illustration on a lightly tissue-guarded plate, which adds to the book’s visual appeal. This style of binding reflects the era’s appreciation for both literary merit and aesthetic presentation, making these volumes attractive as collector’s items or gifts.

In essence, Comédies et Proverbes exemplifies Alfred de Musset’s talent for blending romantic ideals with comedic verve. He explores themes of love, honor, and social convention through characters who move between witty banter and sincere emotional encounters, capturing the spirit of 19th-century French Romanticism. Over time, Musset’s works have come to be regarded as classics, influencing generations of playwrights and remaining popular for their graceful language and insight into human nature.

Condition:

Regarding condition, the set appears well preserved. The leather spines and corners show only minor scuffing or rubbing, particularly along edges and hinges, but retain much of their original gloss and crisp gilt detailing. The marbled boards are vibrant, with minimal signs of fading or surface wear. Internally, the pages are generally clean, displaying only slight age-toning or the occasional spot of foxing, which is common for books of this vintage. The hinges seem solid, indicating that the binding is structurally sound.