182 - Jean RACINE - Britannicus, a tragedy

Jean RACINE - Britannicus, a tragedy Published by Claude Barbin, Paris, 1670 - A very rare first edition of one of the author’s major plays. An exceptional, precious copy with wide margins (154 x 89 mm) and preserved in its original period vellum binding—a true bibliophilic rarity. Well-preserved full vellum; minimal foxing on the covers and a few leaves; otherwise in very fine condition. The copy has been carefully preserved in a sumptuous two-part slipcase, entirely crafted from solid red morocco leather, signed by Jean Duval, a talented bookbinder from the first half of the 20th century; the spine features four raised bands and is in perfect condition—a truly beautiful setting for an exceptional work. A masterpiece of French tragedy, *Britannicus* is based on Tacitus; in it, Racine develops the cruel character of Nero: “Racine had chosen a grandiose and terrible subject. It took a genius as vast and powerful as his own to emerge from it with honor. Consequently, he devoted more time to composing this work than he had spent on any of his other plays, as he himself admits. *Britannicus* is one of the masterpieces of French tragedy. Few plays feature such beautiful situations and such beautiful verse.” (Le Petit). Tchemerzine, Brunet, and Deschamps describe only copies bound in the 19th century. In-12, (8ff.) 80pp. Provenance: JD ex-libris label; unidentified but a discerning bibliophile who appeared to collect rare first editions in luxurious bindings (Pierre-Lucien Martin, among others)