
First edition on ordinary paper, issued after the destruction of the 1923 printing following a dispute between Tzara and the publisher.
A rare and fine copy, complete with its publisher's insert.
Housed in a black half-morocco chemise, smooth spine lettered in palladium, boards covered with paper decorated with abstract motifs, blue paper endleaves; matching slipcase edged in black morocco and covered with paper decorated with abstract motifs. Both by the Boichot bindery.
Double autograph inscription, signed and dated by Tristan Tzara, first to Paul Éluard – « à Paul Éluard. Tristan Tzara. Juillet 1929 » – then, after striking through this initial dedication, to René Char in September 1934: « à René Char avec toute l'amitié grande de Tristan Tzara ». This second inscription is further embellished with a small drawing by Tzara, a hand pointing with its index finger to Char’s name.
In the autumn of 1934, when Tzara inscribed the book to Char, both poets were beginning to distance themselves from Surrealism. Together with René Crevel and Roger Caillois, they formed a small group openly critical of André Breton, in particular his stance on the Communist Party. Like Char, Tzara would leave the movement a few months later, deeming Surrealism incompatible with revolution.
A fine copy of exceptional provenance, a superb testament to the decisive rapprochement of Tzara and Char in the history of Surrealism.