World War II

First edition, one of 38 numbered copies on alfa paper, the only deluxe copies issued.

A very handsome copy.

Autograph letter dated 3 June 1941, signed and addressed to Frédéric Lefèvre, comprising 40 lines in blue ink on two pages of a bifolium, written from Lyon.

Folds from original mailing, envelope present.

During these troubled times, Frédéric Lefèvre was difficult to reach for his friend Francis Carco: "J'ai appris par Raymond Millet - qui me donne ton adresse - que tu es à Vichy ! On m'avait dit que tu étais retourné à Paris... [...] c'est pour cette raison que je ne t'ai pas envoyé mon dernier livre mais je dois recevoir des exemplaires prochainement et le premier sera pour toi."

Francis Carco discusses his future plans: "J'irai me poser en Haute Savoie afin d'écrire le roman que je dois à Gringoire. [...] un éditeur suisse désire publier une petite plaquette de mes vers inédits. N'aurais-tu pas une copie de ceux que je t'ai envoyés à Cannes, l'automne dernier, et de ceux qui commencent par : C'est le pays de Gérard de Nerval..."

"For a few months now, we have been witnessing a regularised passive hunt for patriots, too highly noticed, it seems, at a time when risking their own life and that of their family's was not a shopfront item.
The odious thing about this way of acting is that it is strangely reminiscent of the Hitlerians. We dishonour, then we wait and see. Regardless of the esteem in which a person is regarded, a police visit always leaves a hint of ambiguity, it is believed. Vigilance more than ever, solidarity.” (7 December 1945 addressed by René Char to Francis Ponge)

The first and only edition of this legendary “Céreste Affair” poster printed by René Char with a very few copies and posted in the small village of Céreste, the heart of his resistance network. Paper slightly yellowed, some small marginal tears not affecting the text. 
Extremely rare, this poster is absent from all institutions and auction houses. The Bibliothèque Nationale de France itself only has a reproduction offered by Pierre-André Benoit.
The famous placard marks the end of the loving and combative relationship between René Char and the village of Céreste which was nevertheless Captain Alexandre's HQ and the birthplace of one of his most moving romantic adventures with his lover nicknamed “la Renarde” (the Vixen).

First edition, one of 100 numbered copies on hollande paper, deluxe issue (only the first volume numbered).
Each volume includes a historical introduction by Philippe De Gaulle.
Ex-libris pasted to the front of each volume.
A very fine copy with wide margins, complete in twelve volumes of this important work, commencing in 1905 and concluding in April 1969.

First edition, one of 350 numbered copies on handmade paper, ours unnumbered, the only deluxe copies.

Half-shagreen red binding, spine with five raised bands highlighted with gilt dotting and decorated with double gilt fillets, small stains on spine, marbled paper boards, endpapers and pastedowns, front cover preserved, corners very slightly bumped, speckled top edge, contemporary binding.

Precious autograph inscription dated and signed by Marcel Bleustein, who took the pseudonym Blanchet during the Resistance, to Paul Verneyras.
Press man, union activist and politician, Paul Verneyras joined the Resistance from 1940 by participating in the development of the Libération-Nord movement with Gaston Tessier. For his action during the occupation, Paul Verneyras was decorated with the rosette of the Resistance and made officer of the Legion of Honor.

Moving tribute from one Resistant to another Resistant.

 

First edition, one of 150 numbered copies on vellum, the only deluxe copy.
Bound in half red chagrin, spine with five raised bands set with gilt dotted lines and decorated with double gilt fillets, marbled paper boards, endpapers and flyleaves of mould-made paper, first cover preserved, speckled top edge.
A pleasant copy.

First edition, one of 100 numbered copies on handmade vellum, the only deluxe copies.

Bound in half-red shagreen, spine with five raised bands decorated with gilt dots and ornamented with double gilt fillets, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, front cover preserved, top edge speckled.

Preface by General Roques.

Handsome copy complete with its folding map at the end of the volume.
 

First edition, with the author's facsimile signature and date "october 1940" on the endpaper.
Split hinges, some foxing on the endpapers.
Publisher's sand-colored cloth binding, black title-label on the front cover.
Handsome copy of this notebook reproducing 82 sketches made in London air-raid shelters during the Blitz.

First edition, one of 350 numbered copies on deckle-edged paper, ours specially printed for General Koenig.
Bradel binding in full white cardboard simulating vellum, spine with four compartments decorated with panels outlined in red, red fillet frame on boards, front cover preserved, top edge red.
Precious autograph inscription from Marcel Bleustein, who took the pseudonym Blanchet during the Resistance, to General Koenig, the great victor of the battle of Bir Hakeim: "Pour monsieur le général Koenig, en témoignage de ma grande admiration et de mon respectueux attachement. Son ancien officier de presse Marcel Bleustein-Blanchet le 24 Nov. 1948" [For General Koenig, as a testimony of my great admiration and respectful attachment. His former press officer Marcel Bleustein-Blanchet, November 24, 1948].
Moving tribute from a Resistance fighter to one of the very first military victors over the Axis forces.