[Gothic] Alexandre Dumas, La Femme au Collier de Velours (1850) First Edition

Alexandre Dumas – La Femme au Collier de Velours (Brussels: Meline, Cans et Compagnie, 1850). First edition. Bound in a decorated half-leather binding with raised boards. 320 pp. French. Excellent condition. With a pencil ownership signature of the noted Swedish book collector Carl Åkermark (1888–1983).

A rare Brussels first edition of La Femme au Collier de Velours, one of Dumas’ most striking works of dark Romanticism and a key component of the Les Mille et Un Fantômes cycle. Here Dumas blends historical fiction, gothic horror and passion with psychological intensity — exploring themes of memory, obsession, fatal attraction and the supernatural.

The Brussels first printing of 1850 is particularly sought after among collectors, as Belgian editions often differ from the French in typography, layout and title-page design. Well-preserved copies are increasingly scarce on the market.

This example is further distinguished by its provenance: the discreet pencil signature of the renowned Swedish bibliophile Carl Åkermark (1888–1983) offers a verifiable line of ownership and enhances the collectible value of the volume.

A beautiful and important copy of a cornerstone title in nineteenth-century French gothic literature — highly suitable for serious collectors of Alexandre Dumas, Romanticism and rare continental first editions.

Combined shipping available when purchasing multiple books.

Keywords: gothic literature, French Romanticism, nineteenth century, rare book, provenance, Carl Åkermark, decorated half-leather binding, raised boards, bibliophily.