VERHAEREN (Émile). *Among the Ashes*. *Belgium Devastated*. - Lot 287

VERHAEREN (Émile). *Among the Ashes*. *Belgium Devastated*. Frontispiece by Huygens. Paris, “Bellum” Collection, Georges Crès & Cie, Publishers, 1916. Small in-16, paperback, beige cover printed in black and red, 87 pp., frontispiece with a serpent motif. Fifth edition, published the same year as the original. A moving collection of texts by Émile Verhaeren dedicated to Belgium, ravaged by World War I. In it, the poet recounts, in particular, the destruction of Leuven as well as the Belgian cities and populations struck by the invasion and occupation. The book is dedicated “In memory of Henri Devos, who died in battle for his country.” Frontispiece by Huygens, protected by his serpent. The colophon indicates a limited first edition of 60 copies on Imperial Japan paper, 10 of which were not for sale. This copy belongs to the regular edition. Printed on March 25, 1916, by Arrault in Tours, for Georges Crès & Cie. Copy preserved in its original, untrimmed binding. Cover slightly browned and faded, with a few minor signs of wear; interior fresh.