Corps et Âmes (Bodies and Souls)

MEERSCH, Maxence Van der (1907-1951) TIMAR, Emeric (illus., 1898-1950)

Published by Aux Éditions Arc en Ciel, "Collection du Moulin de Pen-Mur", Paris, 1945

About this Item

1944-1945. 2 large volumes, 4to (340 x 240). Vol. I: 378pp. [4]; Vol. II: 329pp. [4]. Engraved full-page frontispieces in both volumes. 92 copper-plate engravings (16 in full-page) preceded by double page manuscript letter in facsimile by Van de Meersch. First Illustrated Edition, signed by Van der Meersch "Hommage de l auteur, M. Van der Meersch." Limited Edition of 200 copies, this the Artist s Copy of the engraver Emeric Timar, signed by him on the justification page. Printed wrappers, volumes both encased in original cloth-backed paperboards, vol. II in the original pictorial slipcase; (some edges bumped, only the slightest evidence of handling and browning at edges). Vol. II extra illustrated with an original charcoal drawing (180 x 165mm), signed by Timar, and mounted in paper frame. Maxence Van der Meersch was a French-Flemish writer. He first published Corps et Âmes in 1943 earning him the grand prize of the French Academy for that year. The novel was an international success; it was translated into 13 languages and was first illustrated here in this copy of 1944. Notably, the Brussels edition (of the same year) was printed in color. Corps et Âmes centered around the ideas of a celebrated doctor, Dr. Paul Carton (1875-1947), for whom Van der Meersch had a profound admiration. Carton emphasized the importance of cleanliness and good day-to-day living. Van der Meersch s central character is Professor Doutreval, a father and renowned physician, who is raising his three children alone. The multiplicity of characters and places in the novel is contrasted by the continuous raw ambition and selfishness of Doutreval. Van der Meersch s depiction has all the memory of an era where reputation and results are sometimes conceived at the expense of human beings. His work, original and modern, began to facilitate important contemporary questions about the place of medicine and family in our society. The fine engravings remain extraordinarily fresh and bright, a beautiful, complete set with a fine association with the artist. Seller Inventory # D4426

Bibliographic Details

Title: Corps et Âmes (Bodies and Souls)

Publisher: Aux Éditions Arc en Ciel, "Collection du Moulin de Pen-Mur", Paris

Publication Date: 1945

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Very Good+

Signed: Signed by Author(s)

Edition: First Illustrated Edition.