La volupté d'être

First edition, one of 100 numbered copies on pure laid paper, ours one of a few hors commerce copies, the only deluxe copies.
Half red morocco binding with bands, smooth spine very lightly faded without concern, boards, endpapers and pastedowns of moiré effect paper, covers and spine preserved, top edge gilt.
Autograph inscription dated 1957 and signed by Maurice Druon to a friend named Elisa: "... cette introduction à quelques problèmes qui nous sont communs avec la volupté d'être assez près d'elle pour la connaître. Maurice Juin 57." ["... this introduction to some problems we share with the pleasure of being close enough to her to know her. Maurice June 57."]