BONA, illustrator. André Pieyre de MANDIARGUES. ~ Astyanax. [Paris: Jean Monnerie, Viry-Chatillon for ‘Le Terrain Vague’, 1967].
4to (235 × 185 mm), pp. [112]. 6 full-page illustrations by Bona. Original printed wrappers, with another Bona illustration. Light creasing, the wrappers very slightly thumbed, but a very good copy.
First edition of Mandiargues’ third collection, mainly comprising prose poems, illustrated with seven surrealist designs by Bona. Number 102 of 600 copies, signed and initialled in pencil by Mandiargues.
‘Sensations are the point of departure in [Mandiarges’] journey to a land of fantastic metamorphoses which, toute reflexion faite, convey an impression of permanence and truth. A former disciple of Breton,
Mandiargues circumvents the traditional domains of Surrealism in order to enter the confines of an innocent universe that is revealed by pure sensation. “Donner legende aux faits de neige et de pluie” -
this is the first step in his venture.’ (Mark Temmer, ‘André Pieyre de Mandiargues’, Yale French Studies, 1964, No. 31, Surrealism (1964), pp. 99-104)