DUMAS (Alexandre). Le Comte de Monte-Cristo. Paris, Michel Lévy, 1846. 6 volumes in-12, green morocco half-basin, smooth spine decorated with gilt fillets, smooth edges (period binding). First in-12 edition of this famous novel written in collaboration with Auguste Maquet shortly after the triumphant success of The Three Musketeers. This edition is rare, with all the volumes dated 1846 - and all the more precious as the original 1844-1846 edition is exceedingly rare. Clouzot gave the 1850 reprint as the first in-12 edition. A pleasant copy bound in contemporary style, with an autograph note signed by Maquet evoking Monte Cristo: Dear friend, I have been here for eight days, working without respite. You won't find me in Viller, don't go there. When I get back, we'll have plenty of compensation. Take good care of your health. A thousand and one regards. [P.-S.] I think I will be free around the 12th or 13th after Monte Cristo; dated Paris, 3rd September. Some foxing; marginal ring at the end of the first volume.