Description

Proust (Marcel) Sodome et Gomorrhe II, part 1 only (of 3), first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author to the Duchess of Clermont-Tonnerre "Cette fois - ci ce ne sont plus (dans le troisième volume de ce tome, page 73 du 3ème volume) les asperges, mais les poires. J'ai peut-etre été un peu trop haut, dans Guermantes. Je disais: "Qui signe Emilie de Clermont Tonnerre." Dans ce Sodome II, je dis "La Duchesse de Clermont Tonnerre". J'espere que cette fiche plus précise d'identité te gâteras.", light browning to text, bookplate of Elisabeth de Tonnerre to endpaper, near-contemporary half vellum, spine with the gilt crossed keys of the Clermont family to foot, 8vo, Paris, Éditions de la Nouvelle Revue Française, 1922.

A fine association copy with a superb inscription to the principal inspiration for Oriane, Duchesse de Guermantes, a central character in the novels, noting the two times the author had identified her in the text (the second with a teasing promotion in social rank). The deterioration in Proust's health and subsequent death in 1922 meant that copies of Sodome et Gomorrhe II were among the last books he inscribed.

Élisabeth, Duchess of Clermont-Tonnerre (née de Gramont, 1875 - 1954) was an author and close friend of Proust. She had grown up among the highest rungs of the French aristocracy but happily turned away from this world and was nicknamed the "red duchess" due to her support for socialism and feminism. She also became the long-term lover and companion of Natalie Clifford Barney.

This copy originally from the Henrik Falktoft collection was originally catalogued for the sale of his books at Christie's (17th April, 2001, lot 171) but was sold privately and removed from the catalogue. A copy of the catalogue is included with this lot.

Lot 354

Proust (Marcel) Sodome et Gomorrhe II, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author to the Duchess of Clermont-Tonnerre, Paris, Éditions de la Nouvelle Revue Française, 1922.  

Hammer Price: £12,000

Description

Proust (Marcel) Sodome et Gomorrhe II, part 1 only (of 3), first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author to the Duchess of Clermont-Tonnerre "Cette fois - ci ce ne sont plus (dans le troisième volume de ce tome, page 73 du 3ème volume) les asperges, mais les poires. J'ai peut-etre été un peu trop haut, dans Guermantes. Je disais: "Qui signe Emilie de Clermont Tonnerre." Dans ce Sodome II, je dis "La Duchesse de Clermont Tonnerre". J'espere que cette fiche plus précise d'identité te gâteras.", light browning to text, bookplate of Elisabeth de Tonnerre to endpaper, near-contemporary half vellum, spine with the gilt crossed keys of the Clermont family to foot, 8vo, Paris, Éditions de la Nouvelle Revue Française, 1922.

A fine association copy with a superb inscription to the principal inspiration for Oriane, Duchesse de Guermantes, a central character in the novels, noting the two times the author had identified her in the text (the second with a teasing promotion in social rank). The deterioration in Proust's health and subsequent death in 1922 meant that copies of Sodome et Gomorrhe II were among the last books he inscribed.

Élisabeth, Duchess of Clermont-Tonnerre (née de Gramont, 1875 - 1954) was an author and close friend of Proust. She had grown up among the highest rungs of the French aristocracy but happily turned away from this world and was nicknamed the "red duchess" due to her support for socialism and feminism. She also became the long-term lover and companion of Natalie Clifford Barney.

This copy originally from the Henrik Falktoft collection was originally catalogued for the sale of his books at Christie's (17th April, 2001, lot 171) but was sold privately and removed from the catalogue. A copy of the catalogue is included with this lot.

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