CONSTANT (Benjamin). - Lot 64

CONSTANT (Benjamin). Adolphe, anecdote trouvé dans les papiers d'un inconnu, et publiée par M. Benjamin de Constant. Paris: Treuttel et Würtz; London: H. Colburn, 1816. - In-12, 160 x 94: vij, 228 pp. blue paper covers. Long-grained blue morocco, gilt roulette and fillets framing the boards, ornate ribbed spine, dark blue morocco framing inside, decorated with gilt fillets and angular motifs, gilt edges, cover preserved (modern imitation binding). First edition published in Paris. This famous novel of psychological analysis is said to describe the author's affair with Madame de Staël; however, the heroine, Ellenore, bears many similarities to Miss Lindsay, for whom Benjamin Constant had very strong feelings. It is "one of the most beautiful novels in French literature, one of the most mysterious and provocative that has ever been written". This edition appeared almost simultaneously with the London edition, the latter being extremely rare. A very fine copy in a perfectly executed modern pastiche binding. Angular restoration to folio B1. Small light wet spots on first and last leaves.