First edition on ordinary paper. Handsome copy despite a small tear at foot of spine. Precious and fine autograph inscription signed by Gabriel Matzneff: "Pour Henry de Montherlant, ce feu qui brûle sur les grèves du mare nostrum, en fidèle hommage. Gabriel Matzneff" (For Henry de Montherlant, this fire that burns on the shores of mare nostrum, in faithful homage. Gabriel Matzneff) An admirer of Henri de Montherlant who committed suicide on September 21, 1972, Gabriel Matzneff scattered, in Rome, with his friend Jean-Claude Barat, the writer's ashes among the stones of the temple of Fortuna Virilis and into the Tiber. Some reading marks and annotations in blue ballpoint pen by Henry de Montherlant in the margins of certain paragraphs, the last two pages of the work are covered with annotations by Henri de Montherlant.