H. de Balzac; George Saintsbury [trans.] — The Chouans

London, John C. Nimmo, 1890 . First edition. Cloth. A limited edition of this wonderful English language translation of Honore de Balzac's thrilling novel of military history and romance, illustrated throughout. The uncommon first edition of this work to be translated by George Saintsbury and to feature the illustrations of Leveille and Julien le Blant.A limited edition of this work, being no. 28 of 52 copies printed on Japanese vellum.With one-hundred vignette engravings on wood by Leveille from Julien le Blant.Taking place during the 1799 post-war uprising in Fougères, the novel combines military history with a love story between the aristocratic Marie de Verneuil and the Chouan royalist Alphonse de Montauran.With the bookplate of David L. Veitch to the front pastedown.This was the first novel the author published without a pseudonym. In the publisher's original cloth binding, with bumping to back strip head and tail. Back strip age toned, with significant rubbing to spine tail. Light spotting to board perimeters. Front hinge strained, but firmly held. Bookplate to front pastedown. Internally, firmly bound. Pages exceptionally clean and bright. Very Good . Ill.: Leveille; Julien le Blant. Very Good .