La Jaquerie
First edition of “a masterpiece perhaps of romantic theatre alongside Lorenzaccio, but more popular than the latter” (Roger Bellet).
A very fine copy, entirely untrimmed, in publisher’s wrappers, as issued.
Octavo, (4) leaves, 422 pages, (1) leaf. Publisher’s brochure, untrimmed copy, as issued.
217 x 135 mm.
Mérimée, Prosper. La Jacquerie, feudal scenes, followed by The Family of Carvajal, a drama.Paris, Brissot-Thivars, 1828.
Rare first edition.Carteret, II, 136-138; Clouzot, 200; Vicaire, V, 705-706; Talvart, XIV, 220, 4 A; Hanotaux & Vicaire, no. 157.
“Printed by Balzac” (Clouzot).
“This is perhaps the only important unillustrated Romantic work to come from Balzac’s printing house, along with Vigny’s Cinq-Mars, 1827, 3rd edition” (Carteret).
Wishing to become a “man of lead letters,” Honoré de Balzac obtained his printer’s license in 1826 and immediately bought out the Gille foundry with a few associates, but he ruined himself in the venture, which led him back to literary creation. His mistress, Mme du Berny, bought the entire business in 1828 and entrusted its management to her son, founder of the Deberny & Peignot foundry.
This vast dramatic composition evokes the uprising of French peasants against the nobility in the 14th century, during King John’s captivity. Feudal arrogance is embodied by Baron d’Apremont. His violence and cruelty drive the peasants to despair, under the inspiration and leadership of the intrepid monk Brother Jean.
A powerful and moving portrait of feudal society in which nobles, villains, monks, and men-at-arms are depicted in bold strokes. In this work, we find all the imagination and dramatic verve that so eminently distinguished the first efforts of the author of Clara Gazul. One recognizes here that impetuous and ever-original talent, matured this time by profound studies of history and of human nature. A lively and authentic dialogue transports the reader, almost without realizing it, to times and places utterly foreign to his customs and habits.
“La Jacquerie is the first step toward the historically based tale that would bring Mérimée literary glory” (Jean Autin).
Very fine copy, completely uncut, preserved in its publisher’s wrapper, as issued.
