MERIMEE, Prosper (1803-1870). The Writings...With an Essay...by George Saintsbury. New York: Croscup and Holby, 1905. 7 (of 8) volumes, 8°. Engraved frontispieces in 2 states (plain and coloured) and plates in 3 states (2 plain and coloured), EXTRA-ILLUSTRATED with charming watercolour scenes in the margins, 3 volumes with a watercolour and gilt design in the top margin of the first preface leaf, 2 volumes with watercolour initials and one with a similar design on the last leaf, inserted into one volume are an autograph postcard from Saintsbury to the publishers, a 3pp. 8° A.L.s. from Saintsbury (both dated 1905) and a page of corrected galley proofs signed by Saintsbury at the foot. Dark green crushed morocco by La Belle Sauvage Bindery, spine gilt in compartments, sides with an art nouveau border and a fleur-de-lys at corners, red morocco doublures with a wide elaborate border, a gilt fleur-de-lys at corners and in the middle of each border stamped on green and cream morocco onlays, red moire endpapers, top edges gilt, others uncut or unopened (a few covers becoming loose). NO.1 OF 4 COPIES ON JAPAN PAPER RESERVED FOR THE PUBLISHERS of an edition of 30 Japan copies. (7)