40 - BRETON (André).

BRETON (André). Anthology of Black Humor. Paris: Éditions du Sagittaire, [1950]. — In-8, 228 x 142: 352 pp., (2 ff.), 23 plates, illustrated cover. Paperback, lined cover. Second edition, partly in the original state. A copy from the regular print run, enhanced by a very interesting autograph letter signed by André Breton. This letter is written at the bottom of a typewritten text titled “Projet,” in which Breton objects to “the Club Français du Livre publishing any edition of the *Anthologie de l’humour*.” Dated July 3, 1962, the letter is addressed directly to Claude Grégory, director of the Club Français du Livre, and echoes the tone of the preceding text: “I have always had nothing but praise for my personal relationship with you, and you know that I hold you in high regard. Nevertheless, I am in complete disagreement with the proposal you have shared with me on behalf of the Club Français du Livre regarding the reissue of the *Anthology of Black Humor*. Thus, the Club Français du Livre is suddenly asserting rights acquired under conditions about which I have never been given the slightest clarification! For years, the Club Français du Livre has kept some of my works hidden away, without considering reprinting them even though they had long been out of print, thereby causing me considerable harm. While I have no objection to the “Manifestos” being republished in the lighthearted style the Club Français du Livre had given them, I am absolutely opposed to that same Club, in any form whatsoever, publishing the “Anthology of Black Humor”. I am, in fact, preparing a revised edition of it, which alone reflects my current views. ” Tear with a gap at the top of the front cover. Handwritten annotations in the final chapter of the text devoted to Alphonse Allais (pp. 183–187).