MUSSET (Alfred de). Lorenzaccio. Paris, for the Society of the friends of the books, 1895. In-8, burgundy morocco, boards framed with green and ochre mosaic interlacing, spine with nefrs decorated with the same pattern, lining of havana morocco, guard of burgundy moire, cover preserved, gilt edges, half burgundy morocco folder with band, case. (Mercier successor of his father 1922). Beautiful edition illustrated with 69 color figures after watercolors by Albert Maignan, including 6 full-page figures. Edition at 115 copies on China, for the members of the Société des amis des livres. Ex. n° 8, enriched with a full page composition in colored pencils signed Maurice Ray (1863-1938). Attached an autograph letter from Eugène Rodrigues, dated October 11, 1893 on 4 pages, addressed to Alfred Bégis, secretary of the Société des Amis des livres, concerning this edition of Lorenzaccio. Rodrigues (1853-1928), a lawyer, reputedly authoritarian, active member of bibliophile societies, President of the Hundred Bibliophiles, was entrusted with the edition of this work against his will. He explains in this letter: "What an aversion this bastard work of Musset inspired in me (...). The first moment of dejection passed and I thought only of revenge, here is how I attempted it (...). I addressed immediately to the artist that seemed to me the least suitable for the execution of very small illustrations: Albert Maignan. (...) As for the engraving (...), the most vulgar industrial processes seemed to me sufficient. (...) Finally, remembering that the China paper is full of straw which hinders the printing, of colorations which disfigure the watercolor, and of pebbles which make beautiful holes in the pages, and also which did not precisely bring luck to the Society in an experiment of bibliopathy going back to a few years, I adopted it without hesitation! Such is my assessment! (...) The copy of Lorenzaccio will be very expensive! Very expensive! Ex libris Jean Borderel.