Éluard, Paul

Chanson complète.  Paris: Gallimard, 1939



4to (10 1/4 x 7 3/4 in.; 260 x 197 mm, unopened).  4 uncolored lithographed plates by Max Ernst.  Publisher's cream wrappers printed in red and black; minimal soiling, slight wear at spine ends.  Original glassine; some soiling.  Red buckram clamshell case, morocco gilt label on front cover.

Pléiade I, p. 863 ƒƒ, II, p. 1330; Spies-Leppien 19 and 22

4to (10 1/4 x 7 3/4 in.; 260 x 197 mm, unopened). 4 uncolored lithographed plates by Max Ernst. Publisher's cream wrappers printed in red and black; minimal soiling, slight wear at spine ends. Original glassine; some soiling. Red buckram clamshell case, morocco gilt label on front cover.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

An hors commerce copy on japon nacré, signed by Éluard and Ernst, and with three extra suites of plates, printed in red, green, and blue.  The colophon calls for 5 numbered hors commerce copies; the present copy, however, is unnumbered and simply lettered "H. C."  The whole edition comprises 20 copies.

Laid in to the present copy is an autograph fair copy signed ("P.") of Éluard's poem "À genoux la jeunesse", 1 page (10 1/2 x 7 1/4 in.; 267 x 184 mm); horizontal fold, top margin frayed and bottom margin  with minor fraying (neither affecting text), few small stains.  The poem was originally published in L'Amour la poésie (1929) and does not appear in Chanson complète.

Chanson complète was the first major collection of poems published by Éluard after his break with André Breton in the autumn of 1938.  The book was enthusiastically received, with the NRF commenting, "Maintenant nous avons quelqu'un pour nous apprendre à nouveau la beauté du monde."

Max Ernst's fine lithographs evoke the biomorphic forms which were his main preoccupation at the time.

Scarce.