CHATEAUBRIAND de, François-René (1768-1848) - Mémoires d'outre-tombe. Paris: Penaud Freres, 1849-1850.   First edition, first issue, of this acclaimed masterpiece of the 19th-century French literature, complete with the address to the reader ("avertissement"), list of subscribers and Chateaubriand's letter to H.-L. Delloye; the previous collectors have also added the 31 plates planned for the second edition in 6 volumes to the present copy. Written between 1809 and 1841, Chateaubriand's Mémoires provides excellent accounts of the author's life and French history from the Revolution to the Restoration. Published posthumously between January 1849 and July 1850, the Mémoires were at first a commercial flop but were much appreciated later and are today one of the best known works of French literature.   12 volumes, 8vo (205 x 130mm). Half-title, 31 plates inserted, but from the second edition (some spotting). Slightly later calf with gilt decorations (slight defects). (12)

Estimate € 500 - 800