ALEXANDRIAN

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Handsome copy.
Signed autograph inscription from Sarane Alexandrian to art critic Dominique Paulvé.

Unpublished autograph letter signed addressed to Sarane Alexandrian, one page written in blue ink on a sheet with the letterhead of the 1947 International Exhibition of Surrealism. Envelope enclosed.
This letter is a response to a letter sent the day before by Sarane Alexandrian, partially accessible on the Breton Archives website.
Born in Baghdad and engaged in the Resistance in the Limousin, it was during this period that Sarane Alexandrian discovered Dadaism. At twenty years old, he became André Breton's right-hand man and was entrusted by the latter with directing the secretariat of Cause in order to respond to applications from numerous young artists from around the world wishing to join the Surrealist movement. In October 1948, he broke with the pope of Surrealism while maintaining his esteem and admiration for him: "Near him, one learned the savoir-vivre of poets, whose essential article is a savoir-aimer... We admired him for the dignity of his behavior as a writer, thinking neither of prizes, nor decorations, nor academies" (Alexandrian, André Breton par lui-même, 1971).
The letter we offer marks the beginnings of this ephemeral but important relationship between the two writers. André Breton, twenty years Sarane Alexandrian's senior, seems to place great hopes in this young theorist who takes interest in his writings: "Max-Pol Fouchet has not yet had me read 'Poetry and Objectivity' but your letter tells me enough for me to believe in a profound accord between us, an accord based less on the reception you give to what my message has been able to be until now than on the very nature of your personal project, which largely coincides with mine." As for "Poetry and Objectivity", he adds: "I would see the greatest interest in publishing in the catalog of the Surrealist exhibition some pages by you, in which the principal ideas expressed in your letter would need to be barely transposed, and especially those which touch upon the creation of an 'erotic mystique'." This publication taking the form of a manifesto would indeed see the light of day and appear in the review Fontaine produced for the occasion of the 1947 International Exhibition of Surrealism at the Galerie Maeght. The text would earn great success for young Alexandrian who would henceforth be considered by his peers as the number two theorist of Surrealism.
A very fine letter marking the beginning of the important but ephemeral relationship between the two master thinkers of Surrealism.

Collective first edition for which it was not drawn from great papers
Autograph dedication signed by Alain Jouffroy to Charles Dobzynski: "... the poet friend ..."
Nice copy.

first edition, one of the review copies service.
Autographed autograph dedication of the author from Sarane Alexandrian to Pierre Dumayet.
Wrinkled back.

Edition printed in small numbers this reprint.
Signed autograph of Sarane Alexandrian Francis Spar: "... this study shows that Giacometti table will never be served."
Nice copy.

first edition.
Autographed autograph dedication of the author from Sarane Alexandrian to Pierre Dumayet.
Book illustrated with reproductions of works of Victor Brauner.
A small gri-gri with a ballpoint pen concerning a telephone number on the inside flap of the first cover plate, two tears glued to the head and foot of the back.

French Edition.
Publishers'binding with full cream canvas, smooth back, full copy of his illustrated jacket.
Signed autograph of Sarane Alexandrian Francoise Giroud: "... this exegesis of the work that dominates modern art and anti-art ..."
Iconography, print buffer bibliophile as an bookplate.
Nice copy.