(1887). MISTRAL (Frédéric). MIREILLE, POEME PROVENÇAL; MIREI - Lot 142

(1887). MISTRAL (Frédéric). MIREILLE, POEME PROVENÇAL; MIREIO, POUEMO PROUVENÇAU. Paris, Lemerre, 1887. In-12, bradel vermilion morocco, boards decorated with a long branch of mulberry tree mosaic of leaves and fruit in green and garnet morocco, large inner frame mosaic of coffee morocco leaves and gilded fillets and roulettes, linings each decorated with an original signed watercolor, ribbed spine mosaic of ochre and garnet mulberry branches, grenadine moire endpapers, double endpapers, gilt edges on witnesses, covers and spine, untrimmed, slipcase (P. Affolter. 1913). UNIQUE EDITION, enriched in the text with 12 delightful original watercolors, including 2 mid-page, and 2 splendid signed watercolors by Provencal painter Fréderic Montenard adorning the two inside covers. Edition illustrated with a two-state portrait of the author, printed in an edition of only 45 numbered copies initialed by the publisher, this one of 20 on Hollande, enriched with a handwritten letter signed by Mistral. Spine uniformly faded, a few freckles, otherwise a fine copy with wide margins, beautifully bound by Paul Affolter, Parisian bookbinder from 1894 to 1929.