Légitime défense.
€500.00
"Légitime défense" is a pivotal manifesto by the French surrealist poet and theorist André Breton. Published in September 1926, the work marks a significant turning point in the history of surrealism. It is a fierce defense of the surrealist movement against criticism, particularly from Pierre Naville, and simultaneously a radical reflection on the position of the intellectual in society. Breton defends the autonomy of the artist while also emphasizing the necessity of social and political engagement. This manifesto illustrates the tension and complex relationship between the artistic and political ideals that characterized the surrealist movement from its inception. It is a document of great historical value that exposes the internal struggles and ideological shifts within surrealism.
Quantity
Breton, André
ILLUSTRATORS
ILLUSTRATORS
ILLUSTRATORS
Légitime défense.
1928 | Paris
| Éditions Surréalistes
Légitime défense is a key text that exposes the artistic and ideological struggles of surrealism. The publication bears witness to the complex relationship between artistic freedom and political commitment.
"Légitime défense" is a pivotal manifesto by the French surrealist poet and theorist André Breton. Published in September 1926, the work marks a significant turning point in the history of surrealism. It is a fierce defense of the surrealist movement against criticism, particularly from Pierre Naville, and simultaneously a radical reflection on the position of the intellectual in society. Breton defends the autonomy of the artist while also emphasizing the necessity of social and political engagement. This manifesto illustrates the tension and complex relationship between the artistic and political ideals that characterized the surrealist movement from its inception. It is a document of great historical value that exposes the internal struggles and ideological shifts within surrealism.
€500
Condition Report:
In-Depth Study
References & Bibliography
Format
In-12 (Duodecimo) approx. 17 × 22 cm
Print Run
5000
1
Edition Particulars:
We welcome private inquiries, collaborations with institutions, and acquisition requests. Each message is treated with discretion and respect. We welcome private inquiries, collaborations with institutions, and acquisition requests.
1
Print Run:
Condition Report:
1
Copy Number:
Condition Report:
1
Paper:
Condition Report:
1
Signed:
Condition Report:
Product DETAIL
In this manifesto, Breton defends the surrealist movement against criticism from the former surrealist Pierre Naville. Breton responds to Naville's pamphlet "La Révolution et les intellectuels" and defends the artistic freedom and autonomy of the surrealists. At the same time, he explores the complex relationship between surrealism, art, and politics, in particular the movement's growing involvement with communism. He argues that surrealism, despite its focus on the subconscious and dreams, can indeed play a revolutionary role. Breton emphasizes the need for a revolutionary approach to the mind and society, and argues that the surrealist method is perfect for this.
Desnos, Robert
La Liberté ou l'Amour !
La Liberté ou l'Amour ! by Robert Desnos is a monument of Surrealist literature, presented here in an exceptional binding by master bookbinder Jean de Gonet. This 1927 edition contains the full text, including the notorious passages censored at the time. The work is a feverish exploration of eroticism and freedom, written in the automatic style that Desnos perfected. The combination of Desnos's rebellious text and De Gonet's industrial, architectural aesthetic makes this copy a unique collector's item. Furthermore, it bears the signature of Czech artist Adolf Hoffmeister, adding to its historical significance. For the bibliophile, this book represents the perfect symbiosis between avant-garde literature and innovative bookbinding art. With its dreamlike logic, unsettling eroticism, and atmosphere of veiled desire, this book can evoke Stanley Kubrick’s film Eyes Wide Shut
Book
€3,200
Michaux, Henri
Choix de poèmes
In Choix de poèmes, Michaux’s poetic trajectory is gathered into a compact, portable compass. This édition originale collective was issued by NRF in 1976; the present copy is from the minute head issue of fifteen on vélin pur fil. Miguet’s sober Havana-morocco binding, with panelled frame, marries elegance to rigor—akin to a voice moving between vision and observation. The selection shows the steady pursuit of inner landscapes and linguistic shock. For bibliophiles, luxury paper, original state and atelier binding make a persuasive triad. Provenance from Jacques Dauchez provides a discreet, eloquent seal.
Book
€700
Michaux, Henri
Poteaux d’angles
In Poteaux d’angles, Henri Michaux returns to compact, probing prose balanced between poem and notebook. Issued by L’Herne in 1971, this copy is from the exceedingly scarce head issue on Hollande paper. Miguet’s raspberry-morocco panelled binding lends a mineral poise that suits Michaux’s angular sentences. The brief pieces act as beacons—jottings, sallies, flashes of insight and refusal. For bibliophiles the trio is ideal: original edition, luxury paper, and a fine atelier binding. The Jacques Dauchez provenance seals its pedigree.
Book
€600
Michaux, Henri
Moments
Moments is a late, compact Michaux volume where language probes time in brief surges and pauses. The grey-buffalo Jansenist binding—by Miguet—frames the spare layout and lets the text’s rhythm breathe. The title points to flashes of consciousness: halts, starts, reprises. As the édition originale in NRF’s “Le Point du Jour” series, the book exemplifies postwar bibliophile exactitude: precise setting, generous white, tactile paper. This copy is from the very small head issue on vergé de Hollande. The binding’s discreet elegance heightens reading focus.
