LABICHE (Eugène). Théâtre complet... with a preface by Émile Augier. Paris : Calmann Lévy, à la librairie nouvelle, 1878-1879. - 10 volumes in-18, 187 x 120. Red half-maroquin, spine gilt, untrimmed (period binding). First collective edition. One of 20 copies on Hollande, the only large paper with 10 chine. Copy enriched with two autograph letters signed by the author. The first one, dated February 3, 1849, one page in-12, is a letter addressed to his "dear Bala" whom he invites to come and dine on February 15 in order to eat a "truffled turkey" that he has just received. The second letter, 3 pages in-12, is dated December 23, 1872, addressed to a friend to whom Labiche gives his opinion on a play entitled Bertine: "After reflection, I think it would be useful to put down the story of the sub-lieutenant, because this very clever ruse of Bertine must be suggested to him by a small precedent, a peasant woman could not invent such a scheme. I also think that the colonel should not be presented as a woman of too severe principles. She is an honest coquette who likes to be loved and who, while remaining faithful to her duties, is grateful to those who love her respectfully." A fine copy, well preserved despite some wear and tear and minor cracking to some hinges .