Atala by Chateaubriand, Illustrated by Gustave Dore

Atala, Chateaubriand, Illustrated by Gustave Dore. Belford, Clarke & Co., Chicago,1886. Translated by James Spence Harry from Firmin Didot's edition of the Viscount's works. Illustrated by Gustave Dore. Folio up to 15". 48 text pages plus 30 full page plates with facing caption leaf and in text illustrations to chapter heads and tailpieces. Red cloth boards with beveled corners; elaborate gilt and black decorated front and spine; all edges gilt; patterned endpapers. An occasional and very tiny foxing mark and otherwise contents are fine without markings, tears or folds; plates remain bright. Light soiling, fading and rubbing to boards; binding is square and firm. In very collectible condition.
Atala, ou Les Amours de deux sauvages dans le désert is an early novella by François-René de Chateaubriand, first published in 1801. Chateaubriand (1768-1848) was a French writer, politician, diplomat and historian who founded Romanticism in French literature. Atala was inspired by his experiences in North America in exile after the French revolution of 1789. The novella had an immense impact on early Romanticism, and went through five editions in its first year.A very heavy volume for which additional shipping charges may be requested.