168 - CHAR (René). *Lettera Amorosa*. Geneva: Engelberts, 1963. In-4 (320 x 250 mm), folio format, printed cover, slipcase.

CHAR (René). *Lettera Amorosa*. Geneva: Engelberts, 1963. In-4 (320 x 250 mm), folio format, printed cover, slipcase. FIRST EDITION. A single print run of 600 copies, on Rives paper, numbered and signed by the author and the artist on the flyleaf. A very beautiful book illustrated with 27 original lithographs by Georges Braque, including one double-page spread, 13 full-page illustrations, and 13 within the text, as well as 2 end-paper illustrations. ONE OF THE 30 COPIES ON RIVES PAPER ACCOMPANIED BY A SEPARATE SET OF LITHOGRAPHS ON JAPON NACRE PAPER, preserved in a folder with flaps, adorned with an original black-and-white lithograph by Georges Braque, measuring 40/50 and signed in pencil by the artist. The set is housed in the publisher’s cherry-red cloth slipcase. This is the flagship volume published by Engelberts. The friendship between Braque and Char dates back to the end of World War II. Until then, the poet’s work had not been the subject of any major illustrated books. The publisher thus played a decisive role in bringing to life the artistic project centered on *Lettera amorosa*, which happened to be Braque’s favorite collection among Char’s poetic works.