Rachel et La Tragédie by Janin, Jules - 1859

Paris: Amyot, 1859. Large heavy 4to, full pebbled leather, spine banded and gilt-lettered and ornamented. Armorial binding with gilt arms of the kingdom of Württemberg and corner ornaments. Back cover with large gilt image of Rachel in her role of Monime. Large paper copy in an imposing binding. Light marginal waterstain throughout. Rachel (Elisabeth Rachel Félix 1821-1858) , known for her tragic roles, revived the French tragedies of Racine and Corneille in a classical style different from the exaggerations of the Romantic Movement. From a humble beginning as a street performer and daughter of itinerant Jewish peddlers, she became the star of the Comédie Française and the Théâtre Français. Prominent in society, she was the mistress of Napoleon III and many others.She is buried in the Jewish section of Père Lachaise Cemetery where her funeral service was recited by the Chief Rabbi of France. Text by the French critic, Jules Janin, discusses her principal roles. Ten original mounted photographic plates by Henri de la Blanchère, photographer and author of "L'Art du Photographe", published the same year, and other books on photography. WITH a ten line manuscript letter by the actress with tiny label "Coll. René Coursager", critic who wrote on the contemporary theater. Ten original albumen prints mounted on pages, protected by paper guards, with captions. . Full Leather Armorial Binding. Near Fine. Large Heavy 4to.