MÉRIMÉE (Prosper). Theatre of Clara Gazul, Spanish actress. Paris : A. Sautelet et Cie, 1825. - In-8, 209 x 133 : (2 ff.), ix, 337 pp. and (1 f.). Half blond calf, spine ribbed and decorated, spotted edges (contemporary binding). Sought-after first edition of Prosper Mérimée's first work, published anonymously. It is a collection of 6 comedies introduced by a preface signed Joseph L'Estrange, the author's pseudonym. It includes: Les Espagnols en Danemarck. - A Woman is a Devil, or the Temptation of Saint Anthony. - African Love. - Ines Mendo, or the Conquered Prejudice. - Heaven and Hell. This work is very important in the history of theatre. Mérimée, anxious to renovate the French theatre, effectively tried to apply in his plays the new theory of modern theatre that Stendhal had already exposed in his Racine et Shakespeare in 1823. However, these comedies were not intended to be performed. A copy in a contemporary binding, bearing on the false title the indication "Collection des théâtres étrangers". Without the very rare portrait of "Clara Gazul" which was bound in only about fifty copies. Cracking at the hinges, small lacks at the headpieces, rubbing from use at the spine. Some foxing. Attached : - Théâtre de Clara Gazul, comédienne espagnole. Paris : H. Fournier jeune, 1830. - In-8, 209 x 135 : (2 ff.), 449 pp. and (1 f.). Red half-maroquin with corners, gilt fillets, smooth spine decorated, gilt head, untrimmed (H. Blanchetière). Second edition, partly original, increased by two plays, namely L'Occasion and Le Carrosse du Saint-Sacrement, the most famous and most performed play of the author. A fine copy. Some rare foxing.