Turgenev, Ivan. (1818 - 1883)
Terres Vierges - INSCRIBED
Paris: J. Hetzel et Cie. 1877. First French edition. 5 x 7.5, 352 pages. Original pritned wrappers finely bound into three-quarter crimmson leather over red marbled boards. Signed and inscribed on the half-title page, in French (translated): “To Mr. Jules Claretié a tribute from the author.” In very good condition, with scattered foxing to signed page, light rippling to fore-edges, and a bit of light rubbing to boards.A remarkable copy from the highly influential Russian author, signed and inscribed to Jules Claretie (1840 - 1913), an important French literary figure and director of the Théâtre Français. A prolific critic, Claretie also wrote libretti for three of Massenet's operas (La Navarraise, Thérèse, and Amadis).
Though Pauline Viardot was married to Louis Viardot, the Russian novelist Turgenev fell passionately in love with her after hearing her rendition of The Barber of Seville in Russia in 1843. In 1845, he left Russia to follow Pauline and eventually installed himself in the Viardot household, treated her four children as his own, and adored her until he died. She, in turn, critiqued his work and through her connections and social abilities, presented him in the best light whenever they were in public. The exact status of their relationship is a matter of debate. (6225)
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