DELAVIGNETTE (Robert). - Lot 123

DELAVIGNETTE (Robert). Birama. Paris: Gallimard, [1955]. — In-8, 185 x 116: 171 pp., (2 ff.), printed cover. Paperback. First edition printed in February 1955. In 1952, a meeting with a worker-priest in Royaumont inspired Robert Delavignette (1897–1976) —director of political affairs at the Ministry of Overseas France—to write a series of reflections on a changing world, which he develops in this book. Through two symbolic figures —Le Marianneux, a puddler at the Sainte-Colombe forge (a symbol of nascent industrial Europe), and Birama, an itinerant blacksmith from Niger (representing an Africa still rooted in craftsmanship but already affected by social upheavals)— the author captures the dynamics of human migration and the transformation of societies by industrial civilization. At the heart of his reflection lies the question of worker-priests, addressed with calm and perspective. Delavignette explores methods of evangelization adapted to the realities of working-class life, whether in Europe, in Africa, or elsewhere, drawing inspiration in particular from the legacy of the sons of Charles de Foucauld and the Little Brothers of Jesus, who were active at the crossroads of the Mediterranean world and the Sahara. Blending narrative and essay, this book aims to foster an environment conducive to building human connections between Europe and Africa, to the ethics of interracial relations, and to a better understanding of the role of Christian missionaries in their commitment to workers around the world. (Excerpts from the press release.) Press copy, bearing the notation “Second Edition” on the title page. A valuable copy belonging to Albert Camus, enhanced by this autographed dedication signed by the author on the half-title page: To Mr. Albert Camus, // with the tribute of my admiration, // Robert Delavignette The copy is in very good condition and includes the insert. Provenance: Albert Camus, with a dedication from the author.