GONCOURT (Edmond and Jules). En 18.. Paris : Dumineray, 1851. - In-12, red half calf, ribbed spine decorated with the gilt numeral CLAH, gilt head, untrimmed, cover retained (early 20th century binding). Extremely rare first edition of the Goncourt brothers' first self-published work. "The verso of the false title reads: "This novel was delivered for printing on November 5; except for the covers, it was completely printed on December 1. Besides, who will read it?". As the printer deleted passages from the manuscript without the authors' authorization, all but 84 copies of the edition were burned, given away or sold. A poster announcing the book's publication on December 2, 1851, could not be affixed, on the orders of the police, who thought they saw in the book: En 18... an allusion to the 18 brumaire" (Talvart et Place, VII, p. 205). A copy bound at the beginning of the 20th century with the cipher of Charles Léopold Albert Hettier (1841-1914). It is complete with both covers and includes a card from the Léon Conquet bookshop addressed to Charles Hettier on January 25, 1883. The author informs him that it is impossible to obtain a copy of "En 18...". Spine slightly faded, minor wear, tear at bottom of second cover. Covers damaged and restored. Light staining on bottom of first 50 leaves.