BALZAC (Honoré de). A street of Paris and its inhabitant. Foreword by M. le Vte de Spoelberch de Lovenjoul. Paris : Librairie A. Rouquette, 1899. - In-8, 253 x 159 : (2 ff.), 31 pp. Dark green jansenist morocco, spine ribbed, gilt filets and irons inside, gilt edges (Noulhac). First separate edition of this short story by Balzac, illustrated with 33 compositions by François COURBOIN (1865-1926), including one on the title, one at the head of each chapter, 8 lettrines, 6 culs-de-lampe and 17 vignettes in the text. PRECIOUS TRIAL PROOF, justified and dedicated by the artist to the industrialist and collector Maurice Fenaille (1855-1937) : " Trial proof // Homage to Mr. Fenaille // F. Courboin. This proof does not include the foreword by Spoelberch de Lovenjoul. The illustrations are in black. The copy is also enriched with a superb watercolor by the artist reproducing the first illustration of the book with underneath the pencil drawing of the same character appearing on the watercolor, dedicated by Courboin: " à monsieur Fenaille // Hommage respectueux de // F. Courboin. " One of the 125 copies on vellum, complete with the foreword, with the illustrations in color and enriched with a suite of figures in black on China paper. Spine faded, rubbing to hinges, spine and corners. Provenance: Maurice Fenaille, with consignments from the artist.