Journey to the End of the Night appears in 1932 Denoël. Louis-Ferdinand Céline misses the Goncourt, but gets the Renaudot. In May 1943 he sold his manuscript to Etienne Bignou, art of rue la Boétie merchant. The transaction is done against 10000 FF and a small Renoir painting.

The manuscript then disappeared for nearly 60 years.

When returns in 2001 through the Shopping Pierre Beres, the manuscript is being auctioned at Drouot, immediately arousing lusts and offers. BNF wins, by playing its preemptive right to more than 12 million francs.

Kept in a safe in the BNF, the manuscript has never been digitized - only a select few have access. At the initiative of editions of the Holy Fathers, this treasure of French literature is now available to enthusiasts.

This unique publication offers an overwhelming immersion in the world of one of the greatest French writers.

For more information: website of the publisher

(Photo copyright: Gallimard, 1952)