233 - PAGNIEZ, Yvonne. Évasion 44.

PAGNIEZ, Yvonne. Évasion 44. First edition. A copy belonging to André Maurois, featuring a dedicatory inscription and containing three autograph letters signed by the author. Paris, Flammarion, 1949. In-12, red half-shagreen, spine with four raised bands, gilt head, untrimmed, covers and spine preserved. 268 pp. Minor scuffs from handling and small scratches on the sun-faded spine; outer margins of the covers also sun-faded; paper slightly yellowed. First edition of an autobiographical account in which Yvonne Pagniez (1896–1981) recounts her daring escape from a deportation train bound for Ravensbrück, followed by a clandestine flight across Germany. This captivating account of the Resistance was awarded the Grand Prix du roman by the Académie française in 1949. This copy is enhanced by a long and beautiful autographed dedication addressed to Mr. and Mrs. André Maurois “with all my gratitude for the richness that a work from which I have drawn inspiration has given to my mind—and also for the help they so generously offer me in the difficult craft of writing.” This copy also contains three autograph, signed letters from the author addressed to Mrs. André Maurois (2 pages in-4 and 1 page in-8, two of which include envelopes, dated February 9, 15, and 19). After sending him a copy of the galleys through a mutual friend, she expresses her deep gratitude for the promptness with which the Academician agreed to review the work despite his many obligations. Finally, in a last note, she apologizes for not having been able to find the specific envelopes requested by her correspondent, while reiterating her deep thanks for the couple’s invaluable support, which she considers the best guarantee of success for her book. From André Maurois’s library, featuring his bookplate.