67 - KNOWLEDGE OF THE WORLD

KNOWLEDGE OF THE WORLD Knowledge of the World. Bimonthly journal. April–May 1957. No. 9. Paris, S.E.D.I.G., April–May 1957. Quarto, paperback; color-illustrated cover featuring a pre-Columbian gold mask; 112 pp., followed by approximately LXIV pp. of advertisements and documentary material; numerous black-and-white and color photographs, both in the text and as inserts. A professional catalog entry confirms this page count of 112 + LXIV pages. A particularly interesting issue of this 1950s journal of travel, ethnography, and exploration. It features, notably, Bertrand Flornoy, Jacques Soustelle, Alexandra David-Néel, Samivel, Christian Dior, Georges Houot, Gisèle Freund, and Théophile Gautier. Among the main contributions: Bertrand Flornoy, *Jivaros*; Jacques Soustelle, “Panorama of Ancient Mexican Art”; Alexandra David-Néel, “Thoughts on India”; Samivel, “The Pyramids”; Christian Dior, “Monsieur Perrichon in the U.S.”; Captain Georges Houot, “The F.N.R.S. III Bathyscaphe”; Gisèle Freund, “Cold and Dark Tierra del Fuego”; Théophile Gautier, “Images of Seville.” This issue is therefore of considerably greater interest than an ordinary issue of the journal, particularly due to the inclusion of Flornoy, Soustelle, David-Néel, and Dior. Soustelle’s study on the ancient arts of Mexico is illustrated with documents devoted to the Maya, Toltec, and Aztec civilizations; Flornoy’s article, for its part, offers an ethnographic account of the Jivaros of the Amazon. Also worth noting are the preserved vintage advertisements, which today add to the issue’s documentary charm: a LIP Himalaya watch, a Hermes Baby typewriter, business listings, and other advertisements from the 1950s. Complete copy, but showing signs of wear. The cover is heavily scuffed and soiled, with creases, tears, and small losses along the edges and spine; the corners are worn. There are a few foxing spots and discolorations; however, the interior is well-preserved and perfectly usable. The back cover, featuring the large Hermes Baby advertisement, is present.