ALAIN-FOURNIER. Le Grand Meaulnes. Paris: Émile-Paul frères, 1913. - In-18, 183 x 115: (4 ff.), 366 pp. (1 blank f.), printed cover. Dark green half calf, spine ribbed, speckled head, untrimmed, cover preserved (Baillot). First edition. Le Grand Meaulnes is without doubt one of the major works of French literature. Its importance is such that it exerted a considerable influence on the latter, and many authors have been inspired by the theme developed in the work, namely the dream of youth in search of happiness. "The great Meaulnes is pursued by the dream of a happiness that now makes him unfit for all others. The absoluteness of his desire makes him separate, unable to find peace and contentment in a finite being. The whole book is thus in continual contrast between this infinite reverie, of which the two main characters are prisoners, and the affection, simplicity and realism with which Alain-Fournier paints the physical and psychological circumstances around them" (Dictionnaire des œuvres, 1980, III, p. 293). Copy of the first thousand, numbered 536, with the characteristics of the 1st issue copies, including the numbers "9-13" on the table of contents page, the numbers "10-13" on the back cover and the error on page 133 "Chapitre I" instead of "II". A good copy in a later Baillot binding. Spine slightly faded, some rubbing. Provenance: Bernheim, with autograph signature on title and first page.