Maurice BARDÈCHE

First edition, one of the 25 numbered copies on pur fil, the only deluxe copies ("grand papier").
Rare.

First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Spine and boards marginally and slightly browned, paper fragile at margins of some leaves as usual.
Our copy is presented in a sand-colored full cardboard slipcase.
Precious autograph inscription by Robert Brasillach on this text which is one of the very first histories of cinema born a few decades earlier: "A Ramon Fernandez en bien sincère et reconnaissant hommage. Robert Brasillach" ["To Ramon Fernandez with very sincere and grateful homage. Robert Brasillach"] enhanced with the signature of Maurice Bardèche.

Deluxe edition, one of 1000 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only issue after 50 on vélin crèvecoeur.
Handsome copy decorated with initials, head- and tailpieces.

First edition, one of 110 numbered copies on pure thread Lafuma vellum.
Handsome full-margined copy despite the endpapers being partially shaded.
Precious and beautiful full-page autograph inscription dated June 18, 1984 and signed by Maurice Bardèche, to Régine Deforges: "Chère Régine Deforges, voici une horrible témoignage sur ma noirceur d'âme que je vous adresse en tremblant dans l'espoir insensé que vous le lirez avec indulgence en raison de mon affection et de mon admiration pour vous. François Mauriac a écrit à propos de ce livre que j'étais un fou égaré par la douleur qui criait "Heil Hilter" sur la place de la Concorde. Je trouve aujourd'hui ce grognement de 200 pages timide, trop prudent, pauvrement documenté. Enfin, l'impénitence finale. Mais vous êtes un ange très gai et très sceptique : c'est la meilleure espèce d'ange. Maurice Bardèche 18 Juin 1984." ["Dear Régine Deforges, here is a horrible testimony to my darkness of soul that I send you tremblingly in the insane hope that you will read it with indulgence because of my affection and admiration for you. François Mauriac wrote about this book that I was a madman led astray by grief who cried 'Heil Hitler' on the Place de la Concorde. I find this 200-page growling today timid, too cautious, poorly documented. Finally, the final impenitence. But you are a very cheerful and very skeptical angel: that's the best kind of angel. Maurice Bardèche June 18, 1984."]
Provenance: from the library of Régine Deforges.

The definitive edition, first in parts, one of 25 numbered copies on vélin d'Arches paper, the only large paper copies.
Illustrated.
One small insignificant lack to foot of spine, a few small wormholes principally to endpapers, two tiny marginal tears without lack to lower cover, internally good.
Rare.

First edition, one of the review copies service.
Two pale wets on the first board and small clear wets on the back.
Autograph signed by Robert Brasillach to Marius Richard enriched with the handwritten signature of Maurice Bardèche.

First edition, one of 60 numbered copies on Alfa paper only leading copies.
Signed autograph Maurice Bardèche Donald Soualle.
Nice full copy of fragile parchment covers.

The definitive edition, first in parts, one of 25 numbered copies on Arches paper, the only large paper copies.
Elegant half black morocco over marbled paper boards by P. Goy & C. Vilaine, spine in six compartments, gilt date to foot, grey endpapers and pastedowns, covers and spine preserved, top edge gilt.
With 61 photographs hors texte.
A little light insignificant spotting to endpapers.
A fine copy in a handsome binding.

First edition on ordinary paper.
A tiny tear at the foot of the spine, otherwise a handsome copy considering the poor quality of this post-war paper.

First edition on ordinary paper.
Autograph inscription by Maurice Bardèche.
Some minor worming to the front cover.