213. Madách Imre: Az ember tragédiája. Drámai költemény.

Pest, 1861 [1862.] Emich Gusztáv. (2)+218p. With errata inserted at the end, which is missing from most copies.
First edition of perhaps the most significant work in Hungarian drama. At the suggestion of Pál Szontágh, the author sent the manuscript to János Arany for evaluation. Arany initially put it aside after reading the first scene, but later, at the urging of Pál Jámbor, he read it through and offered his assistance, which Madách gladly accepted. At the October 31, 1861 meeting of the Kisfaludy Society, Arany himself presented the work, reading excerpts from the dramatic poem (he later undertook its editing for publication). The volume, supported by the Society, appeared with the date 1861 but actually left the press on January 16, 1862. The print run is unknown. The “second substantially revised” edition appeared in 1863 with modifications suggested by Károly Szász.
20th-century half leather. Spine richly gilt. Uncut.
 
Starting price: 600 000,-