RIMBAUD (Arthur). A Season in Hell. Brussels, Alliance typographique (M.-J. Poot & Cie), 1873. In-12, paperback. Highly sought-after first edition of the only work published by Rimbaud during his lifetime. It was printed at author's expense at 450 or 500 copies on ordinary wove paper. As the young poet was unable to pay the printer, he was only able to withdraw half a dozen copies (he left one in the Petits-Carmes prison for Verlaine and distributed the others to friends), while the rest of the edition remained in the premises of the printer M.-J. Poot, where it was found intact at the beginning of the 20th century. A remarkably well-preserved copy in its original condition. A few tiny spots on the edges. Enclosed is an autograph note signed by Verlaine: "Reçu de Vanier éditeur la somme de cinq francs. Sonnet sur la mort de Rimbaud. Paris 30 January 93". This "sonnet on the death of Rimbaud" is probably none other than the famous poem À Arthur Rimbaud, composed on the same day, when Léon Vanier had just sent him Isabelle Rimbaud's drawing showing her brother in oriental costume. It appeared in the review La Plume in February 1893, then in the second edition of Dédicaces in 1894. Carteret, II, 271 - Galantaris, nos. 276-278 - Monda & Montel, 5-18.