The Red and the Black. By Stendhal. Illustrated by Mette Ivers. Limited Edition. Franklin Library. Franklin Center, 1979.

Stendhal is the pseudonym of nineteenth century French author Marie-Henri Beyle. He was a monumental forerunner to character-driven, historical, and psychological novels. His work is considered far ahead of its time. The Romantic Period in which he lived often overlooked his more grounded fictions, but since the rise of Realism in the late-nineteenth century, writers and critics have returned to Stendhal with admiration. Of his list of works, The Red and the Black, first published in 1830, stands out for its narration, richness of character, and satiric depiction of French society. This limited edition, containing Metter Ivers’s spectacular work, is a fine representation of Stendhal’s genius. It is a superb volume, returning the work to modern attention.

This limited edition is in about-fine condition. In the original leather, about-fine with only minor rubbing to edges and spine. Elaborately gilt stamped. Raised bands. Gilt spine label. Text block fine. Gilt edges. Silk moire endpapers and bookmark sewn in. 

An about-fine collector’s copy of The Red and the Black.