Mistral Frédéric

Mistral, Frederic; Frederic Montenard [ill]Biblio.com

Mireille Mirèio

1922rif. 1491Paris: Darbon-Ainé 1922. Limited Edition. Fine/Very good. Frédéric Montenard. 4to 12 x 9 1/2 inches 305 x242 mm 1 253 15 pp. printed on thick Papeteries d'Arches wove paper deckle edges each text and image in a floral frame printed in olive green ink text black. Text in the French translated by the author and accompanied by the original Provençal on the same page. The half title reproduces the handwritten dedication of the book by Mistral to his friend Alphonse de Lamartine. 50 color illustrations from paintings by Frédéric Montenard 1849 - 1926 pasted in. Original folded paper covers with glassine overcover present toned with some tears and a small chip on the spine. The original invoice from the Darbon-Ainé bookstore and publisher-dated 7 July 1923- is tucked inside the front paper cover. Pages clean and bright binding solid. Copy 112 from a limited edition of 350 of which 50 on Japon and 300 on velin Papeteries d'Arches. Carteret IV 284; BNF32455001 . A richly illustrated edition of the grand work by Joseph Étienne Frédéric Mistral 1830 - 1914 first published in 1859 which earned him the Nobel Prize. Mistral was a French writer of Occitan literature and lexicographer of the Provençal form of the language. He received the 1904 Nobel Prize in Literature "in recognition of the fresh originality and true inspiration of his poetic production which faithfully reflects the natural scenery and native spirit of his people and in addition his significant work as a Provençal philologist". His Nobel Prize for a minority language remained unique until 1978 when Mistral was joined by Isaac Bashevis Singer for his work written in Yiddish. Mistral was also awarded the Légion d'honneur; a most unusual occurrence since it is usually only awarded for notable achievement on a national level whereas Mistral was uniquely Provençal in his work and achievement. Mireille Mirèio in Provençal which echoes the word 'meraviho' or wonder a long poem consisting of twelve songs tells of the thwarted love of Vincent and Mireille two young Provençal people of different social backgrounds. Mistral used the occasion not only to promote his language but also to share the culture of an area. He prefaced the poem with a short notice about Provençal pronunciation. He dedicated this work to the poet and friend Lamartine and this edition reproduces Mistral's handwritten dedicatory message which reads "To Lamartine: To you I dedicate Mireille: It is my heart and my soul; It is the flower of my years; It is bunch of grapes from La Crau leaves and all offere by a peasant." Lamartine wrote enthusiastically: "I will tell you good news today! A great epic poet is born . A true Homeric poet in our time; . Yes your epic poem is a masterpiece; . the perfume of your book will not evaporate in a thousand years. Darbon-Ainé unknown

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