MANUEL (Eugène). L'absent. Drama in one act. [Followed by]: Le Dernier délai. Poetry. [And]: Les Pigeons de la république. Paris : Michel Lévy frères, 1873-1874-1871. - 3 works in 1 volume in-18, dark green half-maroquin, ribbed spine, gilt head, untrimmed (period binding). First edition of these three works by Eugène Manuel, each dedicated to Mme et M. Jules Simon (1814-1896), politician and short-lived Minister of Public Instruction, Worship and Fine Arts (September 5, 1870-January 31, 1871). - L'Absent" was first performed at the Théâtre-Français on June 4, 1873, with Sarah Bernhardt in the cast, who created the role of Madame Douglas. ONE OF A FEW EXAMPLES ON HOLLAND PAPER, enriched with this signed autograph letter from the author: "à Madame Jules Simon // hommage de la plus respectueuse // et dévouée affection // Eugène Manuel." - The second work is the first edition of the poem "Le Dernier délai", spoken by the actor Coquelin at the Christmas tree of the Alsace-Lorraine general association on December 25, 1873. This copy bears a signed autograph letter from the author: "à Madame Jules Simon, // hommage de respect et d'affection // Eugène Manuel". - Les Pigeons de la République" is a poem recited at the Comédie-Française on November 7, 1870 by Mademoiselle Favart. This copy bears an autograph letter signed by the author: "To my dear Master and friend // Mr. Jules Simon // Minister of Public Instruction, // with respectful affection // Eugène Manuel // January 14, 1871. A fine, well-preserved copy.