Senghor, Leopold Sedar (text); Marc Pessin (concept & engravings); Anick Butre (binding); Thierry Bouchard (typography) — Elegie de minuit. Nocturnes

Saint-Laurent-du-Pont, Editions "Le Verbe et l'Empreinte", 1987, 1st. Ex. 7/15. Signed and numbered by Pessin (the book as well as the separate engravings). It includes a handwritten letter from Pessin to the buyer of this copy, contained in the composition/construction of the book, accompanied by a blind engraving (also signed). Furthermore, the work contains an original (press?-)photo (Delahaye, Grenoble) of Pessin in the company of Senghor at a public event; the page that contains the photo is the frame of the photo. Full leather French binding (most probably goat) with an inlaid pattern, leather fixed endleaves and suede free endleaves, 2 identical titlepages, [14]+[20]+[4]p. The title on the back of the book is in silver, the lettering on the back of the box is in red and black. The paper used is velin d'Arches, uncut. The book is kept in a half leather box covered with monotype printed paper. Both parts of the box and some parts of the binding display a beginning of discolouration. Probably the fixation of the elements of Pessins engravings will also become problematic in the future and will need attention due to deterioration of the fixing material used and to acidification. Aside from the discolouration this magnificent work is in very good condition; extremely scarce. 2200gr. At the site of Marc Pessin (https://marcpessin.com/sedar-senghor-leopold/) three variants of this work are mentioned, this one featuring two engravings by Pessin and two other versions with work of other artists. The letter to the buyer seems to be exclusive for this copy. For information on Marc Pessin: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_Pessin Leopold Sedar Senghor (Senegal 1906 - Paris 2001) was the first black doctorated male in France; philosopher, poet and statesman. He and Aime Cesaire developed, together with Leon Damas, the concept of Negritude, a fundamental attitude of black people towards a mainly white western society in which they live. From 1960 to 1984 Senghor was the head of state of Senegal. For further information: https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C3%A9opold_Senghor. The binding is by Anique Butre (her name is impressed in gilt in the front fixed endleaf), which is remarkable: Butre has an independent career both as a binder and an engraver, but it starts not earlier than in 1993/1994. This work dates back to 1987. Pictures are sent on request.