Maurice Maeterlinck — Douze Chansons

Brussels, Editions Aryenne, 1929. Paperback. A smart limited edition of Maeterlinck"s "Douze Chansons," one of only 75 copies on Arches, illustrated throughout with Charles Doudelet"s striking Symbolist illustrations. Loose as issued in the publisher"s original pictorial wrappers, with the original glassine wrap.  A limited edition, being copy number seventy one or seventy five copies on Arches paper. The complete limitation comprises one hundred and ten copies: twenty-five on Japon, seventy-five on Arches, and ten hors commerce. Illustrated with 36 compositions by Doudelet, including 24 designs derived from the original 1896 edition and 12 new compositions produced for this edition. Collated, complete.  A smart folio revival of Maeterlinck"s celebrated Symbolist verse cycle, first published in 1896. The twelve poems demonstrate the ballad-like clarity of Maeterlinck"s early writing, and were later expanded into his Quinze Chansons.  Maurice Maeterlinck (1862-1949) was a Belgian playwright, poet and essayist and one of the foremost figures of European Symbolism, best known for works including Pelleas et Melisande and L'Oiseau bleu. Charles Doudelet (1861-1938) was a Belgian painter, engraver and illustrator closely associated with the Symbolist movement.  A smart cpoy of this limited edition bringing together Maeterlinck"s Symbolist verse and Doudelet"s distinctive fin-de-siecle imagery.  Loose as issued in the publisher"s original pictorial wrappers. Externally, a little worn. Tearing, loss, and lifting to spine, more so to lower portion. Glassine torn, with substantial loss, particularly to the lower portion of the front, and further tears and creasing along the spine and extremities. The odd handling mark, minor stain and light soiling to wraps. Internally, the loose sheets are bright and clean, with the occasional minor mark and light edge wear. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: Charles Doudelet. Very Good Indeed .