234 - MONTHERLANT, Henry de. Port-Royal.

MONTHERLANT, Henry de. Port-Royal. An exceptional copy from the library of Simone André Maurois, featuring a dedicatory inscription and an autograph letter signed by Henry de Montherlant to André Maurois. Paris, Gallimard NRF, 1954. In-8, red half-shagreen with cold-stamped corners, spine with 3 broad filleted ribs framed with blind tooling, geometric decoration of circles and fillets in blind and gilt tooling between the ribs, author’s name and title in gilt letters, marbled paper endpapers and linings, gilt head, covers and spine preserved (contemporary binding). 223 pp. and 3 ff. (table of contents and colophon). Binding slightly rubbed. Second edition, published at the same time as the original, of this play premiered at the Comédie-Française on December 8, 1954, depicting the resistance of the nuns of the Port-Royal monastery against royal and ecclesiastical authority in 1664. "The ‘Catholic trilogy,’ which began with *Le Maître de Santiago* and continued with *La Ville dont le prince est un enfant*, concludes with *Port-Royal*, the most authentically Christian of Montherlant’s works. This episode of the persecution of the nuns of Port-Royal by Louis XIV closely follows historical events. It is one of the most poignant moments in France’s spiritual life that is brought to life here in a simple yet powerful work, where tears do not preclude a smile—or even laughter.” (publisher’s description). A copy from the library of Simone André Maurois, wife of André Maurois, née Simone de Caillavet (1894–1968), featuring her bookplate on the inside front cover, engraved by Jacquin after a drawing by Henri Mondor dated April 1935. It is enhanced by a rare autograph dedication signed by Montherlant to André Maurois on the half-title page, both witty and affectionate: “To André Maurois, who, for thirty years now, has not sent me any of his books, despite everything! Unfaithful (?) Montherlant”. It also includes an autograph, signed letter from Montherlant to Maurois, dated December 17, 1954, and mounted on the inside of the original cover (one in-8 leaf in handwritten blue ink, with a mailing envelope addressed to Mr. André Maurois, 86 Bd Maurice Barrès, Neuilly-sur-Seine). In it, Montherlant thanks Maurois for a note he wrote about him in the French weekly *Carrefour* and mentions the reprint of *Relation de Captivité* by Sister Angélique de Arnauld d’Andilly (1630–1700), a nun at the Abbey of Port-Royal des Champs whom he made the main character of his play. Full transcription: “My dear Maurois, Thank you for your brief note in ‘Carrefour.’ Before the end of the year, you will receive the *Relation de Captivité* written by Sister Angélique de Saint-Jean, which has not been reprinted since the 18th century and which I have asked Gallimard to publish. It recounts everything that happens to the Sister as soon as the curtain falls on my play, and during the six months that follow... Sincerely, Montherlant. 12/17/54.” A beautiful and rare copy with its original covers intact.