Inscribed Books

First edition of the author's first book, with no mention of deluxe copies.
Autograph inscription signed by Jacques Audiberti to Anatole Jakovsky.
Small marginal worming to the back cover, a small tear reglued at the foot of the spine, handsome interior condition.

First edition, an advance (service de presse) copy.
Elegant half dark red morocco over marbled paper boards by P. Goy & C. Vilaine, spine in six compartments, gilt date to foot, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, covers and spine (sunned) preserved, top edge gilt.
Fine and handsome autograph inscription signed from Maurice Blanchot to his brother René and his wife Inge : Un bonze demanda un jour au bonze Sozan Daishi : Qu'est-ce quiest le plus précieux au monde ? / N'importe quoi, une charogne, latête d'un chat mort, répondit Sosan Daishi. / Pourquoi ? ? Parcequ'on ne peut l'évaluer. Zenso Mondo. / Pour René et Inge en toute affection. Maurice. [A bonze asked bonze Sozan Daishi one day: “What is the most precious thing in the world?”/ “Whatever – a rotting carcass, the head of a dead cat,” replied Sosan Daishi./ “Why??” “Because it's priceless”. Zenso Mondo./ For René and Inge with all love. Maurice]”. A very good copy perfectly bound with a moving provenance.

First edition published in a small number of copies.
Rare autograph inscription signed by F. Hosatte to Adolphe Neugewirtz at the head of the front cover: "... en souvenir de l'obtention de son certificat d'études le 23 Juin 1910." ["in memory of obtaining his certificate of studies on June 23, 1910."]
Covers marginally spotted and slightly discolored, handsome interior condition. Rare pamphlet.

First edition of the author's first book, with no mention of large paper copies.
Autograph inscription from Jacques Audiberti to Roland Dorgelès.
A very good copy.

Edition illustrated with hors-texte pochoir illustrations by Lucien Boucher, one of the copies on alfa paper.
Autograph inscriptions signed by Madame Georges Courteline and Michel Simon to the actor Noël-Noël: "... en souvenir d'un partenaire fugace avec toute mon amitié" ["in memory of a fleeting partner with all my friendship"].
Preface by Edouard Herriot. Minor worming at beginning and end of volume.

First edition.
Signed and dated autograph inscription from the author to Pascal François.
Covers slightly soiled, dampstain to foot of rear cover, handsome interior condition.

First edition, one of 100 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only deluxe copies after 10 on pur fil.
Fine autograph inscription signed by Denys-Paul Bouloc to Raymond Fournier.
Fine and rare copy.

First edition, one of 800 numbered copies on Auvergne paper.
Autograph inscription signed by André Thérive to Emile Mireaux "... qui a gardé sûrement le goût des canulars" ["... who surely retained his taste for hoaxes"].
Spine and first cover uniformly faded as usual, second cover marginally faded, handsome interior condition.

First edition printed on laid paper.
Fine autograph inscription signed by the author to Madeleine Roch.
Work illustrated with 13 plates by Léo Bringuier.
Handsome copy complete with its fold-out at the end.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Jean Ristat to Maurice Blanchot.
Minimal worming without consequence to covers and spine.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Olivier Duhamel to Maurice Blanchot.
Minimal interior worming, two small angular creases at head and foot of back cover.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Jean Ristat to Maurice Blanchot. Postface by Louis Aragon.
Very light occasional worming on the covers.

First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Minor spotting to covers, without consequence.
Precious signed autograph inscription from André Pieyre de Mandiargues to Maurice Blanchot.

First edition on ordinary paper.
Handsome autograph inscription from Alain Robbe-Grillet to Maurice Blanchot.
Two small spots to the centre of the spine and first cover, a marginal fold to head of lower cover.

First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious signed autograph inscriptions from three of the authors to Maurice Blanchot.
Small marginal stains to covers.

First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, one of the service de presse (advance) copies.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Roger Chateauneu to Maurice Blanchot.
Slight worming of no consequence.

First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Maurice Bourg to Maurice Blanchot. Our copy is enhanced with an autograph letter signed by the author also addressed to Maurice Blanchot.
Minor worming to boards.

First edition.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Gérard Legrand to Maurice Blanchot.
Cover illustrated by Hervé Télémaque. Minor spotting without gravity on the covers.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Pierre Bourgeade to Maurice Blanchot.
A small stain and a scratch on the first cover.

First edition, an advance (service de presse) copy.
Handsome autograph inscription from Claude Delmas to Maurice Blanchot.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Dominique Grandmont to Maurice Blanchot.
A pale marginal dampstain at the foot of the pages in the second half of the work.

First edition.
Contemporary half burnt Sienna cloth over marbled paper boards, gilt fleuron to spine, double gilt fillets to foot, dark brown title-pieces (rubbed).
Rare autograph inscription by Ferdinand de Lesseps " à mon respectable ami Mr l'abbé Sabatier [to my honorable friend Mr l'abbé Sabatier]".
Bookseller's notice pasted to head of one endpaper.

First edition on ordinary paper.
Handsome autograph inscription from Maurice Bouchor to José Maria de Heredia.
A little light spotting principally to covers.

First edition published in a small number of copies, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Half hazelnut shagreen binding with corners, spine with four raised bands decorated with gilt cartouche and friezes, some traces of rubbing to spine and edges, original wrappers preserved, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, corners slightly bumped, top edge gilt.
Fine autograph inscription signed by Francis Carco to Joseph Périer.
Very rare copy of the author's first work.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Signed autograph inscription from Roland Barthes to journalist and historian Antoine Casanova.
Spine lightly sunned, light dampstain to top edge, pale stain to head of front cover.

First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Autograph inscription signed by René Crevel to the Swedish writer and diplomat Kjelle R.S. Stromberg.
Two discreet marginal restorations at head and foot of one joint.

First Edition printed 200 copies numbered on white vellum.
Publisher's binding in full ivory cardboard vellum, back with four nerves set with black threads, framing of double black nets on the boards.
Rare autograph dedication signed by Henry Monnier to a friend.
Beautiful copy established in its binding of the publisher.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Bradel binding in half sand-colored cloth, smooth spine decorated with gilt floral motif, double gilt fillet at foot, black sheep title-label with some scratches, small spots on spine, marbled paper boards, original wrappers preserved (tiny lack at foot of first cover, lacks at foot of second cover).
Rare and precious signed autograph inscription to Victor Hugo "... with the affectionate respects of the author..."
Eugène Spuller, close friend and collaborator of Léon Gambetta, owed his political rise to Victor Hugo when Hugo chose him "to be his substitute in the senatorial elections of the Seine". (Eugène Spuller (1835-1896): itinéraire d'un républicain par Nathalie Bayon). Deputy of the Seine, a year later, he had a brilliant political career alongside Léon Gambetta and was appointed minister three times during the Third Republic. Victor Hugo mentions him several times in Choses vues.
One manuscript correction by the author on page 96.
Some occasional light foxing.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Dated and signed autograph inscription by the author.
Fine copy complete with publisher's slip, with press clippings laid in.

First edition, one of 445 copies on alfa paper, ours one of 60 reserved for press service, the only deluxe copies with 15 on pure thread.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Edouard Dujardin to Léon-Paul Fargue "... who still remembers the 'Fin d'Antonia'! With all my heart."
A small tear reglued at the head of one joint.

First edition for which there were no large paper copies.
Rare autograph inscription from Louis Althusser.

First edition printed on ordinary paper.
Bradel binding in half sky blue cloth, smooth spine lightly sunned decorated with a gilt floral motif, double gilt fillet at foot, cherry red shagreen title label, marbled paper boards, corners slightly bumped, contemporary binding.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Octave Mirbeau to Jean Ajalbert on the half-title page.
Our copy is expanded with a four-page autograph letter dated and signed by H.G. Ibels in which he shares with his correspondent his momentary financial troubles, the poor circumstances that led him to this situation and finally the solicitations from wealthy bibliophiles who covet his important collection of 18th-century manuscripts on the Convulsionnaires...
Large marginal discoloration affecting the front cover as well as much more lightly the half-title page without touching the autograph inscription.
Provenance: Jean Ajalbert library with his Japonist ex-libris in the Nabis style wood-engraved in a very small number, signed with a monogram, probably that of Félicien Rops.

First edition.
Autograph inscription signed by Léon Foillard.
Work decorated with a frontispiece by P. Burnot, drawings by J. Limonon as well as photographic plates.
Preface by Justin Godart.
Spine sunned and cracked with dampstain at head, boards marginally sunned and also with corner tears, handsome interior condition.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Precious autograph inscription signed by the author to Maurice Blanchot.
The inscription has been damaged by a clear dampstain which also affects the front cover.

First edition of the French translation, of which no deluxe copies were printed.
Precious signed autograph inscription from the translator to Maurice Blanchot.
A slight angular lack at the foot of the second cover, spine with a clear dampstain at foot.

First edition on ordinary paper.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Marcel Guersant to Maurice Blanchot: "... critique éminent devant lequel l'auteur ne se présente qu'avec crainte et tremblement. / J'ose offrir ce livre, où - dans un silence profond - la grâce se fraye la voie d'une âme" ["... eminent critic before whom the author presents himself only with fear and trembling. / I dare offer this book, where - in profound silence - grace carves the path of a soul"]
Worming to spine and covers, complete with publisher's slip.

First edition, an advance copy.
Signed autograph inscription from Luce Amy to Maurice Blanchot.
Marginal worming to head and front cover, one joint slightly cracked at foot.

First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Autograph inscription signed by Guillaume Wodli to Maurice Blanchot.
Minor marginal tears to spine and covers, light scratches of no consequence at foot of second cover.

First collected edition, an advance (service de presse) copy.
Elegant half green morocco over marbled paper boards by P. Goy & C. Vilaine, spine in six compartments, gilt date at foot, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, covers and spine (sunned) preserved, top edge gilt.
Handsome autograph inscription from Henri Michaux to Maurice Blanchot.
A very good copy in a perfectly suited binding.

First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Denis Marion to Maurice Blanchot: "... ce faux-pas romantique".
Two small stains on the front cover.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Lucienne Favre to Maurice Blanchot.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Gabriel d'Aubarède to Maurice Blanchot.
Two tears to the spine which also has a lack at foot.

First edition on ordinary paper.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Raymond Lacaze to Maurice Blanchot.
Complete with its publisher's wraparound band.

First edition, one of the advance copies.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Edmond Buchet to Maurice Blanchot.
Small tears with minimal lacks to the first cover, joints cracked at head and foot.

First edition on ordinary paper.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Jean Mauclère to Maurice Blanchot.
Joints slightly cracked at head and foot.

First edition, false statement of third edition, Service de Presse stamp.
Precious signed autograph inscription from the author to his friend Maurice Blanchot: "... à qui je ne veux rien dire de ce livre si plein de douleur, mais qui, j'en suis sûr, comprendra" ["... to whom I want to say nothing about this book so full of sorrow, but who, I am sure, will understand"].
From 1933, Blanchot was the principal editor of the newspapers founded by Paul Lévy, "Le Rempart" and "aux Ecoutes", with clearly patriotic, anti-democratic, anti-parliamentary, anti-capitalist orientations while simultaneously focused on denouncing Hitlerism and anti-Jewish persecutions. The friendship between the two men, along with that of Lévinas, would contribute to Blanchot's political reversal as he progressively refused the anti-Semitic drift and fascist radicalization that threatened him. In 1940, he "officially" took over the direction of Paul Lévy's newspaper and in November saved him by warning him of his imminent arrest. Paul Lévy fled to Morocco. It was during this exile that he wrote 'Le chemin de la Mosquée', a novel inspired by his political engagement of the 1920s-30s and questioning their consequences. A painful text that Blanchot could indeed "understand".
Handsome copy.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Francis Jeanson to Maurice Blanchot.
Iconography.
A stain at foot of first cover, otherwise handsome copy.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Jacques Sternberg to Maurice Blanchot.
Complete with publisher's (advertising) slip.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Rai de Roth to Maurice Blanchot.
Iconography.
One stain at foot of front board, otherwise handsome copy.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Robert André to Maurice Blanchot.
Complete with publisher's (advertising) slip. Worming to front board.

First edition, an advance (service de presse) copy.
Handsome autograph inscription from Jean Chatenet to Maurice Blanchot.

First edition, an advance (service de presse) copy.
Handsome autograph inscription from André Billy to Maurice Blanchot.

First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Jacques Chastenet to (Maurice) Blanchot.
Minor worming of no consequence to spine and boards.

First edition printed on ordinary paper.
Precious full-page signed autograph inscription from the author to Maurice Blanchot: "... qui approfondit chaque jour davantage les mystérieux rapports de la vie et du langage..." ["... who deepens each day the mysterious relationships between life and language..."]
Iconography.
Small tear to head of front cover.

First edition, an advance (service de presse) copy.
Handsome autograph inscription from Jean Husson to Maurice Blanchot.

First edition in French, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by George Meredith to Maurice Blanchot.
Two tears at head and foot of spine, marginal worming to first cover, one angular stain to front endpaper.

First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Small marginal tears without loss to first cover.
Handsome copy complete with publisher's (advertising) slip.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Armand Lanoux to Maurice Blanchot.

First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Madeleine Chapsal to Maurice Blanchot.
A small tear at head of first cover, otherwise handsome copy.

First edition of which there were no large paper copies.
Handsome autograph inscription from Claude Digeon to Maurice Blanchot.

First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Patrick Waldberg to Maurice Blanchot.
Three small stains at head of first cover.

First edition, an advance (service de presse) copy.
Handsome autograph inscription from Pierre Daninos to Maurice Blanchot.

First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Etiemble to Maurice Blanchot: "... en vive estime (et jalousie)" ["with deep esteem (and jealousy)"].
A small tear at head of first cover, slight foxing to spine.

First edition printed on ordinary paper.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Pierre Francescat to Maurice Blanchot.
A small tear on the first cover, spine slightly warped.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Anne-Marie de Vilaine to Maurice Blanchot.
Handsome copy complete with publisher's (advertising) slip.

First edition printed on ordinary paper.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Georges Bonnamy to Maurice Blanchot.
A small tear re-glued at the foot of the spine, foxing on the top edge.

First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Colette Yver to Maurice Blanchot.
Two tears repaired at head and foot of spine, worming on top edge.

First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Marcel Arland to Maurice Blanchot.
Two tears at head and foot of spine, light crease mark at head of second cover.

New edition of the French translation, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Signed autograph inscription from the translator.
Provenance: from the library of Maurice Blanchot.
Minor stains of no consequence to the covers.

First edition, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Jean Blanzat to Maurice Blanchot.
Two small insignificant stains on the spine and front cover.
Complete with publisher's (advertising) slip.
Preface by Raymond Queneau.

First edition of the French translation, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Harry Mathews in French to Maurice Blanchot "... avec toute ma gratitude pour l"'Arrêt de mort', pour ne pas nommer tous les autres accomplis et à venir" ["... with all my gratitude for 'Death Sentence', not to mention all the others accomplished and to come"].
Handsome copy.

First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Constantin de Grunwald to Maurice Blanchot.
Iconography.
Two tears at head and foot of spine.

First edition on ordinary paper.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Jean-Paul Weber to Maurice Blanchot.
Spine slightly sunned without consequence, a small lack to the pages of the first gathering which were poorly cut.

First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a service de presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Bernard Savoy to Maurice Blanchot.
Spine slightly sunned, minimal foxing on covers.
Complete with publisher's slip.

First edition, an advance (service de presse) copy.
Handsome autograph inscription from Annette Vaillant to Maurice Blanchot.

First edition, an advance (service de presse) copy.
Handsome autograph inscription from Marcel Jouhandeau to Maurice Blanchot.
Spine slightly and insignificantly sunned.

First edition, a service de presse (advance) copy.
Precious autograph inscription signed by Marcel Jouhandeau to Maurice Blanchot.
Spine wrinkled, small stains on the first cover.

First edition, an advance (service de presse) copy.
Handsome autograph inscription from Marcel Jouhandeau to Maurice Blanchot.

First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies, a Service de Presse (advance) copy.
Precious signed autograph inscription from Marie-Emilie Rey to Maurice Blanchot.
A small tear at the foot of the spine, slight worming on the second cover.
Complete with publisher's slip.

New edition, one of 2 lettered copies on vellum, deluxe copy. Publisher's full cream cloth Bradel binding, smooth spine, title vignette pasted on first cover, tawny felt endpapers and pastedowns.
Signed and inscribed copy by the author to a couple of his friends.
Our copy is enhanced with 4 letters and an autograph postcard addressed to the same recipients.
Handsome copy.

First edition on ordinary paper, false mention of edition.
Autograph inscription from the author.
A good copy.

First edition.
Contemporary brown paper Bradel binding, modern black sheep title label, skillful repairs to joints and corners.
Rare autograph inscription from the author to his friend the sculptor David (d'Angers). The inscription, though its ink has faded, is still legible.
Retaining its frontispiece lithograph by Raffet.
Occasional spotting.

First edition, one of 100 numbered copies on vélin du Marais, the only deluxe copies with 25 Japan.
Signed autograph inscription by René Fauchois.
Work illustrated with 16 drawings by Boris.
Handsome full-margined copy.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Signed and inscribed copy.
Iconography.
Very light worming to edges without significance.

First edition, an advance (service de presse) copy.
Autograph inscription from the author.
Spots, not serious, to the edges.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Signed and inscribed copy.
Work illustrated with drawings by Edmond-Maurice Pérot.

First edition on ordinary paper.
Half dark green shagreen binding, faded spine with four raised bands set with gilt dots decorated with gilt double compartments embellished with gilt typographical motifs, marbled paper boards, original wrappers preserved, top edge gilt.
Press clippings included.
Signed and inscribed by Willy to Willy Michel.

First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Half dark green shagreen binding, faded spine with four raised bands set with gilt dots decorated with gilt double compartments embellished with gilt typographical motifs, marbled paper boards, original wrappers preserved, top edge gilt.
Signed and inscribed by Willy to Willy Michel.
Cover illustrated by Wely depicting Willy and Colette
Photographic frontispiece showing Colette as Claudine with the inscription "Vive la vie en rose!"
Additionally, we include a one-page autograph letter signed by Madeleine de Swarte concerning Willy and addressed to Willy Michel, envelope preserved.
Press clippings included.

The first edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Half dark green shagreen binding, spine slightly faded with four raised bands bordered with black fillets, title-label and author's name in red shagreen, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, original wrappers preserved.
Fine full-page signed autograph inscription from the author to the great Gaullist resistance fighter Gilbert Grandval.

First edition, of which there were no deluxe copies.
Half navy blue shagreen binding, spine slightly faded with five raised bands, original wrappers preserved.
Fine signed autograph inscription from the author to the great Gaullist resistance fighter Gilbert Grandval.