Modern post-1945 history: decolonization, cold war and mutations of the contemporary world

First octavo edition of this posthumous collection of extracts from Charles Bukowski’s journal, illustrated with twelve full-page drawings by Robert Crumb.

One of 426 numbered copies of the deluxe issue, hand-bound by Earle Gray and including, as called for, a frontispiece consisting of an original color silkscreen print signed by Robert Crumb.

The first edition had been published the previous year in a large format and a small print run by Black Sparrow Graphic Arts.

Publisher’s red quarter cloth, printed paper boards, label with author and title lettered lengthwise pasted on spine, original transparent dust jacket preserved.

Lower corners very slightly rubbed, otherwise a fine copy.

First edition, no copies on deluxe paper were issued; one of the review copies.

A few minor stains to the lower cover, otherwise a pleasant copy.

Fine autograph inscription signed by Malek Haddad to Gilbert Cesbron: "... cette nuit sans clair de lune mais avec Dieu..."

Provenance: from the library of Gilbert Cesbron, with his handwritten signature at the head of the printed dedication page and the Cesbron family blind stamp serving as an ex-libris.

First edition, a copy on ordinary paper.

Small stains and rubbing to the spine, with loss of some letters of the title; a pleasant copy.

Fine autograph inscription signed by Réda Falaki to Gilbert Cesbron.

Provenance: from the library of Gilbert Cesbron, with his autograph signature at the head of the printed dedication leaf and the Cesbron family blind stamp serving as an ex-libris.

First edition, no large-paper copies were printed.

A pleasing copy.

Autograph inscription signed by Maurice Druon to Gilbert Cesbron.

First edition, of which no large-paper copies were issued.

A pleasant copy.

Autograph inscription signed by Jean Cau to Gilbert Cesbron.

New edition, limited to 750 numbered copies on vélin labeur paper, in the second issue of the publisher's boards.

Publisher's binding executed after the original design by Mario Prassinos.

A pleasant copy.

First edition of the French translation, one of 34 numbered copies on japon bambou, the only deluxe issue.

A rare and handsome copy of this political spy thriller recounting a neo-fascist coup d'état.

The novel was adapted for the screen in 1981 by Peter Zinner, starring Franco Nero, Anthony Quinn, Christopher Lee, Claudia Cardinale, Eli Wallach...

Two copies of the first edition presented together in a single wrapper: one on butcher’s paper, from the limited issue of sixty numbered copies printed for private distribution (hors commerce), unopened; the other on pure linen laid paper, from the limited issue of fifteen numbered copies.

This poem by Charles de Jonquières, written in 1944-1945, was published in 1959 as a token of gratitude to those who had supported him in founding the Union des intellectuels indépendants, an association established in 1950.

Illustrated with headpieces and tailpieces.

Very light soiling to the illustrated wrapper; the copies are otherwise in perfect condition.

New edition.

A small tear at the foot of the spine.
Rare and precious autograph inscription, signed and dated by Tchicaya U Tam'si to Anne Sarraute: "... ces légendes qui sont plus vraies que les péripéties du quotidien de ces temps d'aujourd'hui.."
Provenance: from the library of Claude Mozis, with his African-inspired bookplate on the inside front cover.

Three typescript screenplays, signed by Martine and René Pagnol, for a film project that was never been produced and whose title had not yet been settled at this stage of the work: La Belle au bois or Isabelle au bois. Two copies, titled La Belle au bois, contain an identical text, whereas the third, titled Isabelle au bois, includes additional scenes and bears pencil annotations.

Illustrated covers sunned, some soiling, weakened spines with minor tears.

Together with two typed letters: one addressed to René Pagnol by the Hungarian-born British producer and director Alexander Korda, dated 16 April 1947 and signed; the other addressed to Madame M. Moreno, dated 28 May 1947, bearing no...

First edition; no large-paper copies were issued.
A pleasant copy.
Autograph inscription signed by Guy Bedos: "Pour Florence et Maurice pour rire entre amis, affectueusement. Guy.
 

First edition; no large paper copies were issued.

A crease with a small tear to the lower right corner of the front cover, light foxing to the last endpaper.

A rare and attractive copy.

Preface by Léopold Sédar Senghor.
Provenance: from the library of Claude Mozis, with his African-inspired bookplate on the inside front cover.

Rare first edition of this lecture delivered at the Cercle de France in Paris on January 8, 1958, no copy referenced in Worldcat. Light foxing to the front board.

Rare utopian pamphlet celebrating the creation of Brasilia and laying the theoretical foundations for the cities of the future. Inscribed and signed by Robert Miocque to his friend Marcel Dollfus at the top of the first page of text.

First edition, illustrated with photographs by Lucien Clergue.

Publisher’s binding in full boards, smooth spine,

With a text by Jean-Marie Magnan.

Signed autograph inscription by Lucien Clergue to the writer Christiane Baroche: "Pour Christiane ces images de notre éternelle jeunesse ! et avec la bise de Lucien. 5.X.2002."

First edition, one of 24 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only deluxe issue.

With sections devoted in particular to Cesare Pavese and Alberto Moravia...

A rare and attractive copy of Dominique Fernandez’s first published work.

First edition of this collection of political speeches.

Full red percaline binding, smooth spine without lettering showing slight rubbing, gilt inscription stamped to the upper cover: "République de Guinée R.D.A. à S.E. Jean Paul Sartre. N°30"; endpapers partly toned, a contemporary presentation binding offered to Jean-Paul Sartre.

Frontispiece photographic portrait bearing the autograph signature of President Ahmed Sékou Touré: Secretary General of the Parti Démocratique de Guinée, Supreme Leader of the Revolution.

First edition of the French translation.

Full flexible bottle-green cloth binding, smooth spine with rubbing, author's name and title gilt-stamped on the upper cover, some surface wear to the boards, wrappers preserved.

Autograph letter dated and signed by Alexis Léger, 26 lines in blue ink, written from Washington to his friend Emily Amram, describing the torments of his convalescence following a "stupid accident".

Folds inherent to mailing.

The poet thanks his friend for her floral attentions during his illness: "combien la présence de vos fleurs m'a aidé contre les mauvaises ombres pendant mes jours de réclusion !" and, much to his regret, must once again postpone the visit he had promised her: "une mauvaise grippe washingtonnienne, qui m'a surpris, déjà fatigué, peu après mon retour chez moi, achevé de me déprimer, et pour ne pas accabler encore l'affectueuse sollicitude de bons amis comme vous et Phil...

First edition of the French translation, of which no deluxe copies were printed.

Crease to the upper left corner of the lower cover and the last leaves.

Illustrations.

Precious inscribed copy to Bernard Kouchner: "To my dear friend Bernard always true to his beliefs and a great partner. With deep admiration and affection. Madeleine 15/11/03."

First edition, with no deluxe paper copies issued (except for No. 7) for each volume.
Our complete set comprises:
Céline Notebooks 1: Céline and the Literary Scene 1932–1957.
Céline Notebooks 2: Céline and the Literary Scene 1957–1961.
Céline Notebooks 3: Semmelweis and Other Medical Writings.
Céline Notebooks 4: Letters and Early Writings from Africa 1916–1917.
Céline Notebooks 5: Letters to Female Friends.
Céline Notebooks 6: Letters to Albert Paraz 1947–1957.
Céline Notebooks 7: Céline and Current Events 1933–1961.
Céline Notebooks 8: Progress followed by Works for Stage and Screen.
Illustrations.
Rare complete set.

First edition, of which no deluxe copies were printed.
Pleasing copy.
Inscribed and signed by Valéry Giscard d'Estaing to Michel and Suzanne Blanvart.
 

First edition of the French translation, one of 200 copies numbered on Marais vellum, the only deluxe paper issue.

Minor rubbing along the joints. A rare and attractive copy.

First edition, illustrated with a frontispiece, in-text illustrations and maps, and a double-page map at the end.

Literary collaboration by Joseph Sachot.

Drawings, cover design and maps by André Millot.

Contemporary binding in green half shagreen with corners, smooth spine without title, marbled paper boards, illustrated wrappers bound in on tabs and preserved.

A compelling account of the life and conditions of Inuit populations: Father Roger Buliard (1909–1978), an Oblate of Mary Immaculate, served for fifteen years as a missionary in the Arctic before joining the Canadian military chaplaincy.

The book was a great success upon publication and inspired many future explorers.

Our copy includes an...

First edition on ordinary paper.

A moving and appealing copy.

Fine signed autograph presentation inscription from Dominique de Roux to his brother: "Pour mon cher Xavier père et maître des circonvolutions de ce récit. Et sans qui la vie n'aurait aucun sens. Affection fraternelle. Dominique."

First edition, one of 45 numbered copies on Vélin du Marais, ours one of 15 lettered copies not for sale, the only copies on deluxe paper.

Attractive copy despite a faint shadow along the margin of the upper cover.

Black and white photographic portrait depicting the Philippine dictator seated at his desk.

Accompanied by an official letter on the headed paper of the Office of the President of the Philippines, together with its envelope.

Manuscript signature of Ferdinand Marcos in black ink.

Provenance: from the collection of renowned autograph collector Claude Armand.

Black-and-white photograph showing a young Melina Mercouri lying in straw and chewing on a blade of it.

A handsome example. Press clippings mounted on the verso.

Signed by Melina Mercouri in blue ink.

Provenance: from the collection of the noted autograph collector Claude Armand.

Black and white portrait photograph showing Tito facing the camera.

A well-preserved example. Included are an envelope bearing the letterhead of the Yugoslav Embassy, a printed card from the same embassy, and a typewritten letter from the Yugoslav Consulate thanking Claude Armand for his request for a photograph of Tito.

Bold blue ink autograph by Tito in the right-hand margin of the photograph.

Provenance: from the collection of noted autograph collector Claude Armand.

First edition, consisting of the facsimile of the author’s autograph manuscript.
Publisher’s binding in full white boards, smooth spine, covers illustrated with drawings by Oscar Niemeyer.
A handsome copy, complete with its illustrated dust jacket showing very minor tears and insignificant losses.
Work illustrated with drawings by Oscar Niemeyer.
Rare presentation copy, dated and signed by Oscar Niemeyer to Georges and Alice (Raillard).
Georges Raillard was an art critic and a close friend of Antoni Tàpies and Joan Miró; his wife Alice translated into French the leading Brazilian authors of the second half of the 20th century, such as Jorge Amado.
 

First edition.
Publisher’s full white boards, smooth spine.
A fine copy, complete with its illustrated dust jacket bearing very minor, inconsequential tears.
Illustrated with drawings by Oscar Niemeyer.
Rare signed presentation inscription from Oscar Niemeyer to Henri (Raillard).
 

New edition, with no deluxe copies printed.
Richly illustrated.
Slight sunning to spine.
With a precious signed autograph inscription from André Malraux to his friend, the prominent Gaullist resistance fighter Brigitte Friang: “Pour Brigitte. A. Malraux. Oct 1948.” accompanied by an original coloured drawing depicting the famous "dyable" walking in profile, sketched in red and blue pencil (used for the eye and bristling hair)
Brigitte Friang joined the Resistance at the age of 19 and quickly became a key operative in charge of coordinating parachute drops in the western region. She was arrested by the Gestapo after attempting to help her friend Pierre Brossolette escape from Rennes prison. She...

First trade edition, issued after just 50 deluxe copies.

A pleasant copy illustrated with drawings by the author.

First edition of the French translation, illustrated with 105 plates out of text (including 2 folding tables, 21 plans and maps, and 82 views and reproductions of documents). A remarkable record of one of the most significant instances of international opinion manipulation carried out by China and North Korea in the early stages of the Korean War: as early as 1952, North Korean and Chinese officials (including Zhou Enlai) accused the American army of using "insect vectors" on a large scale to spread various diseases among the populations of Korea and Manchuria (plague, cholera, etc.).

The entire operation had been meticulously staged, as definitively revealed by Soviet documents published in...

First edition, one of 55 numbered copies printed on Lafuma-Navarre laid paper, the only deluxe copies.

A light halo stain to the upper edges of the front endpaper and half-title, otherwise a pleasing copy.

First edition, one of 125 numbered copies on B.F.K. de Rives, including an additional suite of the illustrations on pure rag paper.

A few minor spots on the covers, a pleasant copy overall.

Two light marginal dampstains on the slipcase, slightly rubbed at the corners.

Signed by Sacha Guitry at the beginning of the first volume.

First edition of the French translation.
Illustrated with photographs by Erica Anderson, with text and captions by Eugène Exman.

Preface by Daniel Halévy.
Pleasing copy complete with its illustrated dust jacket, showing minor losses and angular tears to the spine, along with some marginal scuffing to the panels.

Bookplate affixed to the inside front cover.

Rare dated and signed presentation inscription by Albert Schweitzer on a blank flyleaf: "A monsieur Bernard Tessier en souvenir de son passage à Lambaréné le 1.9.1956, Albert Schweitzer."

First edition, one of 30 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only large paper copies along with a few hors commerce also printed on alfa.

A fine copy of this work dedicated to the memory of Simone Weil: "qui, si elle était morte assassinée, aurait consacré son dernier instant à prier pour ses bourreaux."

First edition of the French translation, of which no deluxe copies were issued.

A horizontal crease to the front cover, otherwise a well-preserved copy.

Rare signed presentation inscription from Tom Wolfe to the journalist and literary critic Bernard Pivot: "To Bernard Pivot with a deep bow and profound thanks for such a marvelous evening. Tom Wolfe September, 9, 1988."

Tom Wolfe's masterpiece was splendidly adapted for the screen by Brian De Palma, starring Tom Hanks, Bruce Willis, Melanie Griffith, and Morgan Freeman.

First edition, one of 50 copies printed on pur fil du Marais, the only deluxe copies along with a few not-for-sale copies.
A handsome copy.

First edition, one of 60 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only deluxe copies after 28 on pur fil.

A handsome copy.

First edition, one of 90 numbered copies on alfal paper, the only copies on deluxe paper.
Fine copy, complete with the loose and folding map.

First edition, one of 30 numbered copies on Pur Fil du Marais, the only deluxe copies, alongside a few hors commerce also printed on Pur Fil du Marais.

A handsome and scarce copy of this anti-Gaullist pamphlet.

"On June 28, 1970, I attended the first New York Gay Pride March. The date marks the first anniversary of the Stonewall riots, which launched the LGBTQ+ liberation movement in the U.S. We left from Christopher Street, a gay cultural mecca in Greenwich Village, and walked up 6th Avenue to Central Park. To end the day, a kissing contest was held in the middle of the park! It was a great moment of joy, love and freedom. This couple, who kissed for hours under an umbrella, obviously didn't care about photographers" (Interview with Clément Thierry, 2021)

First edition in French, one of 1,000 numbered copies on Annonay rag paper, the only deluxe paper copies.

Illustrated with numerous photographs. Preface by Maurice Herzog. Foreword by the Duke of Edinburgh.

Publisher’s full flexible boards binding. Lacking slipcase, spine sunned with minor tears at head and foot.

Rare and handsome autograph inscription, dated and signed by General John Hunt: "A M. Robert Moch vous témoignant notre reconnaissance de nous avoir préparé la trace jusqu'au sommet du signal de l'Iséran le 3 janvier - et pour vous exprimer nos regrets de ne pas l'avoir suivie ! John Hunt 7/1/54."

This copy is further enhanced with the handwritten signature of Edmund Hillary...

New edition, with mention of the print run.
Illustrated.
Two losses to the spine; complete with its illustrated dust jacket, which shows small chips and angular tears. One gathering poorly opened with minor marginal losses not affecting the text.

Bookplate affixed to the verso of the front cover.

Rare signed presentation inscription by Albert Schweitzer: "A monsieur et madame André Fontan en souvenir de leur passage à Lambarené le 2.6.1963, avec mes bonnes pensées. Albert Schweitzer."

Autograph letter, dated and signed, addressed to Thierry Maulnier: 16 lines written in violet ink on a sheet bearing the letterhead of Éditions Charlot in Paris, concerning his book "La vallée heureuse".

"Paris le 24 dec.46,

Mon cher Thierry Maulnier,

c'est bien de la guerre industrielle qu'il s'agit dans la Vallée heureuse et vous l'avez parfaitement compris. Je m'en console en lisant Blaise de Montluc qui se plaignait déjà de l'invention de l'arquebuse, l'innocent ! Merci de tout coeur de ce que vous avez écrit dans Concorde. J'en suis profondément touché, et surtout heureux que mon livre ait établi le contact entre nous. Je veillerai à ce qu'il ne s erompe pas. Croyez-moi, cher Thierry...

Fierce autograph letter signed, addressed to Jacques Chardonne—though not named—comprising 30 lines in black ink on letterhead of the journal Le Nouveau Fémina, concerning cultural life and current political affairs.

Folding marks inherent to mailing, a black ink stain not affecting the text, and two small holes: the first causing the loss of one letter—the second "e" in Hecquet; the second resulting in the loss of the word "il".

"Les dernières lettres sont épatantes. Et courtes, comme il fallait pour ne pas trop s'éloigner du drame. Les oeuvres complètes de Léon Blum vont paraître chez Albin Michel. On va voir. Anatole de Monzie, homme d'une très belle intelligence n'a rien écrit de fameux...

First text: first edition, with no copies issued on deluxe paper; second text: first edition in part.

Publisher's full grey cloth binding, flat spine, complete with the original dust jacket.

Illustrated with photographs by Tony Armstrong-Jones.

A small stain to the lower part of the front endpaper, otherwise a pleasing copy.

Inscribed and signed by Paul Morand: "A maître Chérier, ce tunnel sous la manche, très fidèlement Morand."

First edition, one of 15 copies on Japan paper, the deluxe issue.

Minor foxing to the edges of the covers, otherwise a desirable and uncommon copy with all edges uncut.

First edition, with no deluxe copies printed on special paper.

A handsome copy.

Inscribed and signed by Pierre Bourdieu to a friend named Emmanuel.

Autograph note dated and signed by Jules Romains, one page addressed to Thierry Maulnier regarding his production project of Knock (11 lines in blue ink on a card with the letterhead of his Paris address on rue de Solférino).
Lower left corner bears a printed stamp: "Fonds archives privées Th Maulnier".

Autograph letter dated and signed by Jean Hélion addressed to Raymond Queneau, 41 lines (four pages on two leaves) written in black ink.
Jean Hélion cannot respond favorably to an invitation extended by his friend Raymond Queneau, partly due to his homebody nature: "J'ai pris l'habitude de rester chez nous, le samedi après-midi : à l'atelier jusqu'à 5 heures et là-haut jusqu'à l'heure du dîner pour y recevoit toutes sortes de jeunes gens que je n'ai pas le temps de voir un par un... Mais j'aimerais davantage vous montrer à vous seul, un peu tranquille et à n'importe quelle heure. Ne passez-vous jamais de ce côté ?" ("I have gotten into the habit of staying at home on Saturday afternoons: at...

Autograph letter signed by Charles de Gaulle, dated and addressed to his cook Augustine Bastide, who served him from 1940 to 1958, 13 lines in black ink on his headed paper.
Fold marks inherent to postal handling.
The de Gaulles had taken in the recipient of this letter, Augustine Bastide, upon their arrival in London. Of Provençal origin, she served the family from 1940 to 1958 first in Great Britain then in France. At the de Gaulle couple's table in an England severely affected by rationing, one could then find rabbits, winkles, and other frogs. The "outspoken Southerner" would remain in the general's service for nearly twenty years, sometimes causing hilarity in the stoic head of state:

«...

First edition, one of 35 numbered copies on deluxe paper, the only deluxe copies.
Rare and handsome copy.

First edition in French, one of 15 numbered copies on pure thread paper, the only deluxe copies.
Spine and boards slightly and marginally sunned, otherwise handsome copy.

First edition, with no copies printed on large paper.

Spine slightly creased, a stain to the top edge extending into the margins of several leaves.

Complete with the original publisher's insert.

Rare and important dated and signed autograph inscription from Tchicaya U Tam'si to Jacques Duchateau.

Provenance: from the library of Claude Mozis, with his African-themed bookplate on the verso of the front wrapper.

First edition.

Publisher's original black and yellow pictorial boards, smooth spine. A fine copy, complete with its photographic dust jacket.

Photographic illustrations.

Handwritten signature of Barack Obama, dated, on the half-title page.

New edition.
A very good copy.

Signed presentation inscription from Louis Aragon to Jean-Pierre Monarque.

New edition published a few months after the first, with an edition statement.
A pleasing copy.

Signed presentation inscription from Louis Aragon to Jean-Pierre Monarque.

First edition on ordinary paper.

Bound in burgundy half morocco, spine with five raised bands outlined in black, boards covered in moiré-effect paper, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, original wrappers preserved, speckled edges.

Signed autograph inscription from André Malraux to Madame Simone Sivry.

First edition, one of 1,050 numbered copies on alfa paper.
Two very faint areas of sunning at the head and foot of the spine, otherwise a very good copy.
Publisher's illustrated boards after the original design by Mario Prassinos. 

First edition on ordinary paper.

Light foxing to the top edge.

A pleasing copy complete with its publisher's belly band.

Signed presentation copy from Georges Perec to the writer, art critic and television personality Max-Pol Fouchet.