[naturalism] Maupassant (guy De) - Bel-ami. Year 1885, Rare.

MAUPASSANT (Guy de). Nice friend. Paris, Victor-Havard, 1885. A vol. in the format in-12 (188 x 123 mm) of 2 ff. n.fol. and 441 pp. Contemporary binding of fawn glazed half-sheepskin, ribbed spine adorned with bold blind fillets, large gilt fleurons, gilt title. Rare first edition; provided with a whimsical edition statement on the title page. ''Genuine first edition of this novel considered one of Guy de Maupassant's masterpieces''. (in Carteret). ''The world is a masquerade where success goes rather to scoundrels. Like Flaubert, but laughing, Maupassant said of his character, the odious Duroy: "Bel-Ami, it's me." And for cynicism, sensual fury, atheism, fear of death, they were quite alike.'' Carteret II, The Treasure of the Romantic and Modern Bibliophile, p. 116 - Vicar V, Handbook for lovers of 19th century books, 614 - Thième, Bibliographic Guide to French Literature, p. 268 - Rahir, The Amateur's Library, p. 532 - In French in the text, n°311. Very slight superficial alterations affecting the binding. Clear foxing in the body of the book. Nonetheless, beautiful condition.