FORNERET Xavier. Caressa. Paris, Veuve Vincent et Bourselet, 1858; in-8, 301-[3] pp. half red long-grained morocco with corners, gilt fillet, smooth spine decorated throughout, trimmed, cover and spine (Vermorel). Rare first edition, especially as here with no edition number. A unique novel, self-published, dark and frenetic, like Forneret who, it seems, slept in a coffin. The story is told by an ill-married narrator. The copy, in a fine binding by Vermorel, is enriched with an important autograph letter signed, dated 24 June 1853 in Chalon sur Saône (3 pp. in-8). The author thanks Charles Monselet for his praise, gives news of his work and expresses his pleasure at feeling understood. During his lifetime, Forneret enjoyed only mediocre success and the hostility of the press grew. Only Charles Monseletet reserved a few words of praise for him, and on 26 July 1859 he published a long article on "L'Homme noir" in Le Figaro, the first serious study of the writer.