LACROIX BIBLIOPHILE JACOB. The Dance of Death, 1832, First Edition, period binding

  
The Dance of Death
A fantastic story from the fifteenth century
By P. Jacob
Bibliophile
Member of all academies
Paris: Eugène Renduel, 1832.

8vo (200 x 122 mm). Half-havana calfskin, smooth spine with gilt decoration, pseudonym and title in gilt, white paper doublures and endpapers, marbled yellow edges (contemporary binding). Wear to corners, lower board hinge slightly split, all minor; some uniformly foxed leaves.

At the beginning of the volume: poem (untitled); letter written "To the traveler Taylor", dated March 20, 1832 and signed "P." At the end of the volume: note (untitled): "This book was written and printed long before the appearance of the cholera-morbus in France. Publishing circumstances prevented the delay of this publication.

It will no doubt occur to no one that our intention was to exploit such a sad circumstance." Since March 1832, a cholera epidemic had hit Paris hard and caused thousands of deaths. With this note, the author wanted to prevent suspicion of taking advantage of the tragic situation of the moment to achieve publishing success.

Very fine copy, bound in contemporary half-havana calfskin, a rare condition for the original edition.