Victor Hugo - Les Châtiments - Long Autograph From Hauteville House - 1853

Victor Hugo (1802-1885). Les Châtiments. Genève et New-York, Imprimerie Universelle (Saint-Hélier), 1853. In-32 of 2 f. (faux-titre and title), III p. (preface signed V.H.) and 392 p. Size: 10 x 8 cm.

1853, first edition acknowledged by the author, with a fine autograph dispatch to Lucien Van Heddeghem (1846-1880).

Average condition. One corner of headband damaged and trace of restoration of an autograph leaf mount. Interior fresh and free of foxing.

Hugo relates his meeting with this young man to Auguste Vacquerie, the day after the signing of this work, on Sunday March 7, 1869: "Yesterday I gave lunch to a brave young man whom you know a little and who admires you a lot, Mr. Van Heddeghem. He is charming and gentle. He chose the middle of a storm and the middle of winter to come and see me."

Very nice signature.

"To M. Van Heddeghem,

in memory of his precious visit

to Hauteville House

on March 6, 1869

Victor Hugo"