From A Bibliography of Alexandre Dumas père by Frank Wild Reed: A prose drama in five acts, with prologue.
Dumas is universally acknowledged to have shared in the composition of this play, just as de Nerval, who alone signed it, did with "l'Alchimiste."
The setting is German, and the action is full of movement, interest and character. Gautier gives it high praise from its literary aspect.
Both this and "l'Alchimiste" were composed during a stay by the friends at Frankfort in 1838.
First performed at the Porte Saint Martin Théâtre on the 16th of April, 1839.
Original edition: Paris, Barba, 1839, 8vo., pp. 340, the play itself being followed by "Mémoires et documents inédits sur les Sociétés Secrètes d'Allemagne." Dumas had nothing to do with anything save the play.
It was reprinted in 1852, at the conclusion of "Lorely" (the account of de Nerval 's travels in Germany). Paris, D. Giraud et J. Dagneau.
The last-named work was re-issued by Lévy in 1860.
References :—
Marie (Aristide): "Gérard de Nerval," pp. 135-44. Gautier: "Art Dramatique," Série I., pp. 246-54. Quérard: "Supercheries Littéraires Dévoilées," Vol. I., Columns 1072-73, and Vol. II., Columns 167-69.
Le Comte: "Alexandre Dumas," p. 116.
