MICHEL Louise. Memoirs written by herself. Paris, F. Roy, 1886; in-12, [4]-viii-490 pp, burgundy polished half-chagrin with corners, spine ribbed, gilt head. First edition of volume I, the only one published. These memoirs of a militant anarchist, deported to New Caledonia and then imprisoned at Saint-Lazare, reveal the weaknesses and humanity of a woman widely regarded as "a sort of scarecrow, a ruthless virago, an ogress" (preface). Bound at the head is an interesting and rare autograph letter, dated and signed by Louise Michel: "19 February 86. Dear citizen Ponelis (?), I beg you to see the anarchist groups right away, I think we had planned a meeting on Sunday - Mantes - Better go to Digeon in Puteaux. See quickly so that there isn't a meeting in Mantes and one in Puteaux...". Émile Digeon (1822-1894) was a candidate in the Narbonne constituency successively under the radical, socialist and finally anarchist labels. He developed a close relationship with Louise Michel, who returned from deportation in 1880; he lectured with her throughout France and became her confidant after her imprisonment in 1883. Title page faded, trace of angular wetness on the first and last leaves, slight foxing.