FORAIN (Jean-Louis). Le Fifre. Paris, February 23, 1889-June 1, 1889. - 15 fascicules in-folio, bradel marbled half-parchment, smooth spine with author's name and title in ink calligraphy, cover preserved (early 20th century binding). Complete collection of this satirical newspaper created and illustrated by the painter and press illustrator Jean-Louis Forain (1852-1931), comprising 15 issues published between February 23 and June 1, 1889. On page 2 of the first issue, the artist introduced his journal as follows: "To tell the story of everyday life, to show the ridiculousness of certain sorrows, the sadness of many joys, and to observe harshly at times the hypocritical way in which Vice tends to manifest itself in us: this is my project. As a whimsical researcher, I'll go everywhere, striving to render impressions and emotions in a clear and immediate way, as sincerely as possible. Always cheerful, often ironic, these notes will be aimed at contemporary foibles, without attacking the contemporaries themselves; my opinion being that to be interesting and curious it is largely sufficient for the artist to study his time." In addition to Jean-Louis Forain, other contributors included Armand Silvestre, Émile André, Jean Richepin, Paul Masson, Paul Hervieu and Jacques Le Lorrain. A good copy, complete with the rare grey printed front cover. Soiling to cover.