Deux Poèmes
Rare original edition of these two poems sent by André Breton to Paul Valéry on May 4, 1914.
Limited edition of 19 copies reserved for friends of Fata Morgana.
Octavo booklet of ff.
Soft binding signed by Jean de Gonet: old rose veined calf, darker central disc embossed with crosshatching and surrounded by pieces of red calf titled in black ink. Slipcase and chemise.
237 x 159 mm.
Breton, André. Two Poems.
Fata Morgana, 1914 [1971].
Rare first edition of these two poems sent by André Breton to Paul Valéry on May 4, 1914.
Limited edition of 19 copies reserved for friends of Fata Morgana, this is one of the 15 printed on Arches (named copy for Jean Petithory).
In poetic terms, during the years 1914-1915, Breton experienced an internal conflict between the studied density of Mallarmé's poetry and the verbal power of Rimbaud's. He then adopted a new model, Apollinaire. The latter was one of the most important figures of the avant-garde. He was a friend of Picasso, Braque, Derain, Marie Laurencin, Vlaminck, Rousseau, and Max Jacob. He directed the Soirées de Paris until July 1914.
From the internal conflict between contradictory sources of inspiration would emerge Breton the poet: two poems from this time bear witness to this, "Décembre" and "A vous seule," where, behind a carefully crafted and somewhat precious syntax, an ironic and biting tone can be detected.
Provenance: Jean Petithory
