HUGO, Victor Œuvres complètes de Victor Hugo. Poésie. VII. Les Rayons et les Ombres.

First edition of this rare and sought-after work, which was printed in a limited edition of 1500 copies. (Carteret).

Escoffier, 1392 ; Clouzot p. 147 ; Catalogue Rothschild, 876 ; Bulletin Morgand et Fatout, 11204 ; Carteret, I, p. 412.

There were no large-paper copies printed.

“Les Rayons et les Ombres is more importante and harmonious than the most beautiful songs of ‘Feuilles d’automne’. There is in this entire compilation an elevation of thoughts, a softness of feeling, a superiority of kindliness, a majestic calm […].

In ‘les Rayons et les Ombres’, everything is model, everything is beautiful. You must read the verses that end the volume and are addressed to miss Louise Bertin”.

(Emile de Girardin, Œuvres complètes, p. 17).

“In the author’s mind, this volume remains linked to the three poem compilations he published since 1830 (‘les Feuilles d’aumtone’, ‘les Chants du crépuscule’, ‘les Voix intérieures’) and in which are mingled the most extraordinary qualities of expression and the most declamatory turns […]. (Dictionnaire des Œuvres, V, p. 655).

A very pure copy of this rare and sought-after literary first edition, preserved in its original green half-shagreen.

Among French institutions, only 2 own this first edition.