COURTOT (Claude). - Lot 63

COURTOT (Claude). An Introduction to the Works of Benjamin Péret. Frontispiece by Toyen. Paris, Le Terrain Vague, 1965. In-8, paperback, softcover with green paper printed in black, untrimmed. First edition of this important study devoted to Benjamin Péret, published by the Association des Amis de Benjamin Péret a few years after the poet’s death. The book features a frontispiece reproduction of a work by Toyen, a major Surrealist artist who was close to Péret and André Breton. Claude Courtot presents here one of the first comprehensive studies of Péret’s poetry, focusing in particular on his language, humor, poetic imagery, and the unique place he occupies within Surrealism. A limited first edition of 75 copies on Holland Pannekoek paper, reprinted in the in-4° raisin format and accompanied by an original drypoint by Toyen; 50 of these copies are numbered 1–50, and 25 are marked H.C. This copy belongs to the regular edition and therefore does not include the original drypoint. Printed on September 25, 1965, at the Presses Parisiennes. A fine copy, with full margins and fresh interior pages; very slight signs of wear on the cover.