185 - LAFORGUE, Jules. *L'Imitation de Notre-Dame la lune*.

LAFORGUE, Jules. *L'Imitation de Notre-Dame la lune*. A rare first edition of Jules Laforgue’s second collection, containing some of his most famous poems, including “Pierrots” and “Clair de Lune,” which contributed to the myth of the “lunar poet” who died too soon. Paris, Léon Vannier, 1886. In-8, red half-maroquin, spine with 4 cold-stamped raised bands, author’s name and title gilded between the bands, glossy paper covers preserved (modern binding). 70 pages, one headband, numerous tailpieces. Leather worn on the spine and part of the back cover; covers soiled with reinforced tears on the front cover; traces of water damage with small tears in the upper margin. First edition of Laforgue’s second collection of poetry, published by Vanier in 1885 (bearing the date 1886) and printed in an edition of 500 copies on satin-finished vellum. This collection of 41 poems, composed with great literary flair in just a few months, includes some of Laforgue’s most famous works, notably “Pierrots” and “Clair de Lune,” which contributed to the myth of the “lunar poet” who died too soon. Laforgue described the collection as a contribution “to the cult of the Moon, a Decameron of Pierrots, and to the substitutes for the Moon during the day: pearls, consumptives, swans, snow, and linen” (letter to Gustave Kahn). Uncommon, according to Clouzot [Clouzot, 175]. A fine copy with its well-preserved glossy paper covers.