Edition from the same year as the first edition. A discharge mark from adhesive tape at the foot of the page featuring the autograph inscription. Half brown shagreen binding with corners, faded spine with five raised bands, some scratches on the spine, date and "Prix Goncourt" mention gilt at foot, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers and pastedowns, original wrappers preserved, modest binding. Autograph inscription signed by Robert Merle to Georges Feutrel who was awarded the Prix Goncourt in 1949.