ONE OF ONLY 30 SETS RESERVED FOR THE COLLABORATORS

VERLAINE, Paul. [Oeuvres]. Paris: André Vial, (1948). Six volumes. Octavo, contemporary three-quarter green morocco gilt, raised bands, marbled boards and endpapers, uncut, top edges gilt. Housed together in original paper-covered slipcase. $1650.

Fine limited edition Verlaine, author of “some of the finest, most musical lyrics in the French language,” with 16 hand-colored etchings in each of the six volumes, number XXIX of only 30 sets printed on Marais paper and reserved for the collaborators (from a total edition of 1700 copies).

Paul Verlaine is the archetype of the dissipated, bohemian poet— leader of the Symbolist movement in poetry. He formed the so-called "Decadents," together with Mallarmé and Baudelaire. His works reflect two predominant themes: "that only self is important, and that the function of poetry is to preserve moments of extreme sensation and unique impressions" (Petri Liukkonen). This splendid limited edition of Verlaine's complete poetical works is illustrated by five painters in the "sensual style," Clouzot, Serres (aka Schem), Saint-André, Ferréro, and Perraudin, each competent in depicting boudoir scenes, nudes, and showgirls. Text in French.

Fine condition, handsomely bound.