Lot 146
Leroux, Gaston. Rare early edition of Le Fantôme de l'Opéra, Pierre Lafitte et Co., Paris, c. 1919-1921 (1st edition was 1910). Original card covers printed in green and black, with a picture of the Phantom. Bound in three-quarter curshed morocco, gilt stamping, scuffed. An extraordinary complete copy, a bit toned and with slight chipping.
What makes this volume even more exceptional is Leroux's autograph inscription and signature, in French, on the half title page: "A Maud Pathé, la gentille amie de mon Miki et de ma petite Madeleine, en souvenir joyeux d'une automobile fantôme. Gaston Leroux / Nice 1er janvier 1921" Translated: "To Maud Pathé, the nice friend of my Miki and my small Madeleine, in merry memory of a phantom automobile. Nice [France] January 1, 1921." Maud was the daughter of the great movie magnate and inventor Charles Pathé, a major pioneer and the world leader in motion pictures until 1918. One can only imagine Leroux regaling the children with a lively, imaginary "Phantom" story.
It is unlikely that Leroux (1868-1927) signed many of these early editions. The novel was first published as a serialization in Le Gaulois from September 23, 1909 to January 8, 1910 and was not well received. It became famous only in 1925 when Lon Chaney portrayed the masked and facially-deformed Phantom who haunts the Paris Opera House. The novel, which was translated into English in 1911, has since been adapted into many film and stage productions, the most famous being Andrew Lloyd Webber's 1986 musical."The Phantom of the Opera," which became the longest running Broadway show and musical in history.
We find no records of any other inscribed copy of Le Fantôme de l'Opéra in any condition. This is the first appearance on the market of the copy offered here.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 15,000.
Purchased directly from the Pathé family estate.
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