208 - MALRAUX, André. Lazare. Le Miroir des limbes.

MALRAUX, André. Lazare. Le Miroir des limbes. First edition, limited print run on Dutch laid paper, in a beautiful Jansenist binding signed by Devauchelle. Paris, Gallimard NRF, 1974. In-8, havana-colored Jansenist morocco, spine with cold-stamped raised bands, author’s name and title in gold lettering, date at the foot, gilded fillet along the edges, interior edging in the same morocco set with a gilded fillet and a band of havana morocco bearing the bookbinder’s signature in gilt stamps, taupe suede endpapers and linings, all edges gilt, cover boards and spine preserved, matching edged slipcase (contemporary binding, signed Devauchelle) 252 pages. Spine uniformly faded, brown stains at the bottom, joints slightly rubbed with a tiny scratch. First edition of one of André Malraux’s finest books, the final installment of his *Miroir des limbes* cycle, inspired by his experience with a sleeping sickness he contracted in 1972. “What fascinates me about my journey is walking the tightrope between life and the great depths that herald death [...] The encounter with that part of man who walks, moans, or screams when consciousness is absent” (excerpt from the publisher’s introduction). Limited edition of 475 copies; this is one of the first 100 numbered copies on Holland van Gelder laid paper (No. 23) A superb first edition with its original covers intact, perfectly bound by Roger Devauchelle (1915–1993).