MINES DE RIEN
by Desnos, Robert
Text in French. Limited to an edition of 115 printed on vélin de Rives. This book contains seven poems by French poet Robert Desnos. Desnos was part of the surrealist movement in the 1920s, but later denounced surrealism's ties to communism. He produced poetry even after his capture and imprisonment by the Gestapo in 1944 for being a member of the French Resistance. He died in 1945 from typhoid contracted during his time in the concentration camps. This book is illustrated by four original color prints and signed on the colophon by French artist André Masson. Influential in the surrealist movement, Masson produced paintings, book illustrations, and stage settings from the 1920s until his death in 1987. He was interested in "the destiny of mankind" and his work often reflected the violent or erotic images he saw during his experiences in World War I and the Spanish Civil War. He was awarded France's Grand Prix National des Arts in 1955. Newspaper article announcing Masson's death, photocopy of book entry for Masson, and Zabriskie Gallery schedule of exhibitions including one of work by Masson laid-in. Minor wear to boards, slip case scuffed, soiled in places, worn around edges.

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