HEWLETT, MAURICE — The Forest Lovers

London, Macmillan & Co. 1898, 1st Edition. Half-Leather. Book, 'The Forest Lovers' is set in France during the Romantic era, and the experiences of Prosper le Gai in the mysterious forest of Morgraunt. Prosper is a happy-go-lucky guy intent only upon adventure. A confirmed bachelor, happenstance suddenly compels him to marry a poor servant-girl in order to rescue her from being hanged as a witch, or handed over to a false monk. In the end his wife, Isoult la Desireé, proves to be the long-lost daughter of the Countess Isabel, Countess of Hauterive and Lady of Morgraunt. The motive of the story is the triumphant progress of Isoult's love for her knight and lord. The book is well named, as the mysterious enchantment of the forest plays an important part in this medieval romance, and the author has succeeded in combining real human interest with his fantastic setting. The spirit of the allegory pervades the work and evokes the atmosphere of some of Wagner's operas. Tipped in is a signed letter to publisher G.B. Burgin, concerning author, Israel Zangwill. First edition copy rebound by Riviere in dark green Morocco and cloth. Near Fine/No Jacket. Signed Maurice Hewlett.