Liebelei [and] Das Vermächtnis

Berlin: S. Fischer, 1899. Hardcover. Very Good. First editions. Two plays, bound together, probably in the early 20th Century in oatmeal buckram with gilt spine lettering. Tiny chip at the corner of one leaf and a little scattered foxing, otherwise a very good copy, collated and complete, and internally near fine.

Two plays bound together and both Inscribed by Arthur Schnitzler to a family member or close friend. *Liebelei* is the first edition published in Berlin by Fischer and warmly inscribed on the half title in Vienna on 4.3.96 and signed simply 'Arthur' (another presentation copy of Leibelei inscribed on the same day was sold in 2011, and we suspect this may have been the date of publication). The second play *Das Vermächtnis* is the first edition published in 1899, and has a longer inscription on the half-title to the same individual, also inscribed in Vienna and signed 'Arthur' on the fifth of December 1898, which apparently predates the official publication date.

Schnitzler's plays have always been controversial, both for their frank description of sexuality but also their strong opposition to anti-semitism. His works were burnt by the Nazis though the playwright died before Hitler came to power. *Liebelei* was filmed by Max Ophüls and later adapted as *Dalliance* by Tom Stoppard (1986) and in 2010 produced at the Young Vic in David Harrower's version as *Sweet Nothings.*.