[Literature] Verhaeren, Émile. (1855-1916). Les Aubes. Brussels: E. Deman. 1898. First edition. Octavo, 162pp. First edition of the great Belgian symbolist poet's first dramatic work, written partly in verse. The play treats of the powerful and elegiac contemporary themes of social justice and the decline of rural life as against the burgeoning cities. As in his verse of the period, Verhaeren's anarchist sympathies are well in evidence and the work offers a vision of a better life than that which has come to pass. A near fine copy in three-quarter cream-colored suede calf with morocco spine label, top edge gilt. Wrappers illustrated by Verhaeren's close friend, the painter Theo von Rysselberghe bound in.

Verhaeren was among the great lyric poets of his day, achieving an international renown and befriending many of the greatest artists and writers of the epoch. He narrowly missed winning the Nobel Prize in 1911. Inscribed by Verhaeren, “A Pierre d'Alheim Emile Verhaeren.” Alheim was an author and translator, particularly known for his biography and support of the work of Modest Moussorgsky.

Sold together with two additional volumes, similarly bound in three-quarter tan suede on gray/green marbled boards, with original printed wrappers bound in, both very fine:

"Petites Légendes." Bruxelles: Deman. 1900. 8vo. 76 pp. First edition.

"Les Visages de la Vie." Bruxelles: Deman. 1899. 8vo. 83 pp. First edition.