77 - DAUDET (Alphonse). Unpublished Pages of Theater Criticism (1874–1880).

DAUDET (Alphonse). Unpublished Pages of Theater Criticism (1874–1880). Paris, Ernest Flammarion, 1923. In-12, paperback, blue-printed cover, 356 pp., untrimmed. First edition of this posthumous collection of columns and dramatic criticism by Alphonse Daudet, bringing together texts devoted to the theater and Parisian theatrical life between 1874 and 1880. The date of the first edition, 1923, is confirmed by bibliographic references from the BnF cited by Hachette-BnF. These texts offer an interesting insight into French theater in the second half of the 19th century and into Daudet’s literary tastes. In it, the author discusses and evaluates the major plays, revivals, actors, and playwrights of his time, blending dramatic criticism, personal recollections, and digressions on the theater. The collection remains of documentary interest today for the history of French theater between 1870 and 1880; the BnF classifies it, in particular, under the subjects “Theater Criticism—France—1870–1914” and “Theater—France—1870–1914.” Paperback copy, untrimmed, preserved in its original cover. Fair condition: cover and spine are browned and pitted, with fairly pronounced foxing on the covers; spine is rubbed with wear and small losses at the caps, particularly at the top; some foxing and small stains inside. Nevertheless, the copy is complete and remains in its original binding.