Histoires Du Bon Dieu

Rilke, Rainer Maria

Published by Emile-Paul, Freres, Paris, 1927

About this Item

Paris: Emile-Paul, Freres, 1927. First French Translation. Traduction de Maurice Betz; number 242 of 315. Of the 315 numbered copies in this first French translation edition, 200 - numbers 116 to 315 - were on pure wire LaFuma. This is a particularly interesting copy, since all others appear to be in original wraps; this one has been individually and beautifully leather bound for Yvonne Winslow and inscribed to her on the flyleaf by the binder, who did a nice job for her: green/brown Morocco leather is done in an elegant cruciform cover, ruled in black and gilt. Raised spine bands, spine titled in gilt, top edge gilt. Front cover is detached, with with 1/4" abrasion, very mild edgewear. Small edge abrasions to front free endpaper, page edge toning. Worthy of re-attachment of the cover, in which case this would be a Near Fine - and attention-getting - copy. As it is, Very Good. Please feel free to ask for additional scans. The first published French translation of the sensitive poet/philosopher's 1904 Geschichten vom lieben Gott (Stories of God, or, as here, Histoires du Bon Dieu). Though Rilke's first book of poetry, Leben und Lieder [life and songs], appeared in 1894, this work is considered to be the first in which he showed a mature version of his trademark spirituality and mysticism. Likely the only hardbound copy of this edition, and in any case a unique and creative binding to match Rilke's work. - L27.

Seller Inventory # 000013

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Histoires Du Bon Dieu
• Publisher: Emile-Paul, Freres, Paris
• Publication Date: 1927
• Language: English
• Binding: Full-Leather
• Edition: First French Translation Edition
• Condition: Very Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • Poetry