52 - ELUARD, Paul (1895–1952).

ELUARD, Paul (1895–1952). Autograph manuscript signed “Paul Eluard,” *In April 1944, Paris Was Still Breathing*; 2 pages, in-4. A beautiful manuscript of this poem, which would later be illustrated by Jean Hugo. Description: Divided into 7 stanzas, corresponding to Jean Hugo’s 7 gouaches, the manuscript—written in black ink—contains two cross-outs. A different manuscript was ultimately used for the book’s publication. “We were descending toward the faithful river: neither its current nor our eyes abandoned Paris. Not a small city, but childlike and maternal. […] No one could cross the bridges that led us to sleep, and from sleep to our dreams, and from our dreams to eternity An enduring city where I lived through our victory over death.” Enclosed is the original edition: *In April 1944: Paris Was Still Breathing!* A poem by Paul Eluard illustrated with seven gouaches by Jean Hugo. (Éditions de la Galerie Charpentier, 1945). Quarto in loose sheets, with a filled-in cover. First edition lithographed from a manuscript of the poem, illustrated with seven color compositions by Jean Hugo. Limited edition of 998 copies; this one is no. 148 on pure-fiber vellum. Included is the invitation card to the exhibition of Jean Hugo’s paintings and gouaches at the Galerie Cahiers d’art in May 1957, featuring a text by René Char.