Contes à Ninon

Paris: J. Hetzel et A. Lacroix, 1864. First edition of the author’s first book. [4], 320 pp. 1 vols. 8vo. Full blue morocco gilt, marbled endpapers, t.e.g., by Taffin, with the original yellow printed wrappers bound in. Very good (head rubbed, slight toning to a few leaves). With loosely inserted calling card of the author. First edition of the author’s first book. [4], 320 pp. 1 vols. 8vo. Zola’s first book, INSCRIBED on the half-title to the distinguished literary critic and author, Jules Levallois (1829 - 1903): “à M. Jules Levallois “temoignage du devouement et de la sympathie de l’auteur [a testimony of the author’s devotion and sympathy] Emile Zola.” Zola was 24 years old when Contes à Ninon, was published.

The calling card, ca. 1890 is engraved "Emile Zola / rue de Bruxelles, 21 bis" and inscribed in pen by Zola, "Avec mes remerciements et l'expression de ma sympathie [with my thanks and the expression of my sympathy]." Carteret II, p. 488