RIMBAUD (Arthur) - LÉGER (Fernand). - Lot 70

RIMBAUD (Arthur) - LÉGER (Fernand). Les Illuminations. Preface by Henry Miller. Lausanne: Éditions des Gaules, [1949]. — In-4, 325 x 245: 134 pp., (5 ff., last 2 blank), printed cover. Mustard-colored morocco leather, cold-stamped fillets framing the covers, ribbed spine, gilt head, untrimmed, cover and spine preserved, slipcase (contemporary binding). Famous illustrated edition featuring 15 original full-page lithographs by Fernand LÉGER (1881–1955), 11 of which were enhanced with stencil work under the direction of Louis Grosclaude, the book’s publisher. The number of enhanced lithographs varies by copy. Henry Miller’s preface appears here for the first time. Africa did not directly influence Rimbaud’s poems: he abandoned poetry in 1873 (at age 19) and did not leave for Abyssinia (Harar, Aden) until 1880—seven years later. He does, however, mention this continent in his prose poem *Soir historique*: “With its enslaved vision, Germany builds itself up toward the moons; the Tartar deserts light up; ancient revolts swarm at the heart of the Celestial Empire; through staircases and rock-seats, a small, pale, and flat world—Africa and the West—will be built. ” This passage, typical of Rimbaud’s visionary style, associates Africa with a symbolic construction, alongside the West, in an evocation of worlds in flux. In this sense, the continent stems from a poetic imagination rather than lived experience. In “Parade,” another poem from the collection, Rimbaud refers to the Hottentots, a nomadic and pastoral people of southern Africa. Printed in an edition of 395 copies, signed by Léger and Grosclaude on the colophon. One of the first 25 copies on heavy, tinted vellum paper (no. 16), enhanced with a series of lithographs on Chinese paper. It does not include, as is almost always the case, the original drawing that was to be attached to the first copies, but it has been enhanced with the following items: - A letter from Henry Miller, dated August 3, 1951, addressed to Louis Grosclaude, 1 page, in-4, in English: “This is to inform you that I finally received the (3) copies of the Rimbaud-Léger book, sent to me collect and poorly wrapped. Only 2 days ago. In the meantime, I inquired of friends in the book trade in New York as to the current market value of the book in this country. Their unanimous reply is that the book sells to the bookseller for 60 minus the usual discount. ” - Autograph letter signed by Fernand Léger, dated November 10, 1949, addressed to Louis Grosclaude, 1 page, in-8 format: “I think that perhaps the cover design (which I gave you quite some time ago) is a bit jarring compared to the interior illustrations. If this cover has not yet been printed, would you please return it to me so I can revise it?” - Publication brochure in book format, printed on laid paper and featuring a black lithograph by Fernand Léger on the front (the one on page 125). The signature “F.L.” on Fernand Léger’s plate has been replaced by the handwritten initials “ND.” - Two proof prints of two color lithographs—those on pages 19 and 119—the first on Montgolfier vellum from Annonay and the other on heavy, tinted vellum, each inscribed “color lithograph proof. Grosclaude” and signed by Fernand Léger, who also added the word “Bon” to the second. The colors in the first proof differ radically from those of the version published in the book. As for the second, its color version serves as a valuable supplement, since the corresponding illustration in the book remains in black and white. Spine discolored; hinge on the front cover split. Transfer marks from some lithographs.