Jules de GONCOURT (1830-1870). Autograph manuscript signed "par Mrs Edmond et Jules de Goncourt", La Nuit de la Saint-Sylvestre; title and 18 leaves (20x15cm.) written recto-verso (slight pitting), in one vol. small in-4 gray paper boards, title-piece on spine (small lack on spine). Complete manuscript of the second work by the Goncourt brothers. After their novel En 18..., which went on sale on December 2, 1851, the Goncourts wrote this play, La Nuit de la Saint-Sylvestre: "Janin had told us: "Pour arriver, voyez-vous, il n'y a que le théâtre...". On leaving home, we came up with the idea of doing a review of the year for the Théâtre-Français, in a fireside conversation between a man and a woman of society, during the last hour of the old year". They recounted in their Journal (December 21, 1851) their tribulations in trying to get the play performed at the Théâtre-Français; despite the enthusiasm of actors Brindeau and Mme Allan, the play was not performed. "It was all over. Our soap bubble was burst. And in the end, our little thing was worth no more. It's the story of the first dreams in literature: they are made only to be followed in the sky by children's eyes, to shine and burst". The play was also rejected by the Gymnase. Edmond de Goncourt wrote of the play: "It's a witty little proverb, but its wit is a little too mouthy". It was published in L'Éclair on January 17, 1852, with an offprint of 4 copies on laid paper. The manuscript is entirely in Jules de Goncourt's hand, with the exception of a correction by Edmond. On the title page, on yellow paper, Jules de Goncourt has inscribed their address: Mrs de Goncourt/ R. St Georges, 43". Former Daniel Sickles collection (XIX, n°3809).