BARBEY D'AUREVILLY (Jules). L'Ensorcelée. Paris : Alexandre Cadot, 1855. - 2 volumes in-8, 223 x 139 : (2 ff.), II, 301 pp., (1 f.) ; (2 ff.), 332 pp., (1 f.). Dark green half calf, smooth spine decorated, untrimmed (late 19th century binding). Unusual first edition, dedicated to the Marquis de Custine. This novel first appeared in serial form in the Journal l'Assemblée nationale from January 7 to February 11, 1852. It explores the dark atmosphere of the Normandy countryside after the Chouannerie. The plot, populated by pastoral sorcerers and haunted old women, follows Jeanne Le Hardouey, an unhappy aristocrat bewitched by the Abbé de La Croix-Jugan, a priest tormented by memories of war. The work reveals in depth the torments of the human soul, blending passion and madness in a poignant tale. The edition consists of 16 chapters numbered I to XVII, the printer having omitted chapter XI. The novel concludes on page 217 of the second volume. This is followed by a text entitled Ricochets de conversation, which includes a short story entitled Le Dessous de cartes d'une partie de whist. This short story was included in the collection Les Diaboliques, published in 1874. Very fine copy with full margins. Back faded, some minor wear, restoration to first cover of second volume.