407 - NERUDA (Pablo).

NERUDA (Pablo). *Le Chant général*. Paris: Les éditeurs français réunis, 1950–1952–1954. 3 tomes in 3 paperback in-8 volumes, covers printed in black and red (some wear). First editions. Press copies. Volume I: Beautiful E.A.S. (ex libris), in green ink, from Pablo Neruda to Jean MARCENAC: “Pablo to Jean with all the roots,” followed by a large calligraphic drawing of intertwined scrolls and loops arranged in a garland on the half-title page. Followed by an E.A.S. by the translator Alice Ahrweiler, in the same style: “To the greatest reader of Pablo Neruda, to the poet, to the comrade, to the one I know to be a great poet, his friend [...]” (her signature is followed by a small drawing of a female figure). Volume II: Dedication by Alice Ahrweiler to Jean and Andrée Marcenac: “For Dédé and Jeannot, this poem by Pablo that they know and love as much as Alice [...]” Volume III: E.A.S. by Alice Ahrweiler: “For Jean Marcenac, this book that sealed our friendship; for Dédé; for Bruno [...]” Also included is another copy of Volume III, No. 29 of 125, printed on Lafuma pure-thread paper, also featuring an E.A.S. by Alice Ahrweiler dedicated to Andrée and Jean Marcenac. Also included is: MARCENAC (Jean), Pablo NERUDA. Paris, Pierre Seghers, 1954. Square 12mo, illustrated cover. First edition printed in a run of 40 numbered copies (No. 29 of 30 on Alfa Marais paper). With illustrations and facsimile. THIS CONSTITUTES A SET OF 5 VOLUMES. A fine set bearing witness to the literary and political friendship that united Neruda, Marcenac, and Alice Ahrweiler. Jean Marcenac was one of the principal figures in introducing Neruda to France: in 1954, the very year this translation of *The General Song* was completed, he dedicated volume no. 40 of the *Poètes d’aujourd’hui* series published by Seghers to him, for which he wrote the introduction and handled part of the translations. See, in this same auction, the extensive correspondence addressed to Jean and Andrée Marcenac by Pablo Neruda and Delia del Carril, lot no.