MÉRIMÉE (Prosper). Unpublished letters. S.l., 1900. - In-8, red half-chagrin, spine with ornate nerves, gilt head, untrimmed, cover and spine preserved (contemporary binding). Very rare first edition, published in only 42 copies on japan for a private circle. It includes an important preface by Felix Chambon, occupying the first 120 pages. This copy is enriched with a superb autograph letter signed by Prosper Mérimée, three pages in-8, addressed to Léonce de Lavergne and dated from Bagnère de Bigorre on August 7, 1838. It was partly published by Maurice Parturier in the general correspondence of Mérimée (volume II, n° 454, p. 174). A good copy in a slightly later binding. On one of the endpapers is this note in pen: "Of the greatest rarity - this work having been printed in only 42 numbered copies - and having been the subject of a lawsuit claiming literary property." A good copy despite some light wear rubbing to the headpieces.