Anna de Noailles — L"Honneur de Souffrir

Paris, Bernard Grasset, 1927. First edition. Leather. The first edition of Anna de Noailles"s poignant poetry collection, one of five hundred numbered press copies, warmly inscribed by the author and handsomely bound in full calf by M. Albinhac. In a contemporary full calf binding by M. Albinhac, sympathetically rebacked with the original spine laid down, and with the publisher's original paper wraps bound in.  The first edition, published as number sixty-nine of Les Cahiers Verts. One of five hundred numbered press copies, this copy numbered 352. A presentation copy, warmly inscribed across the half-title to a friend, whom Noailles describes as possessing, like herself, a faithful and broken heart. Signed "Anna". Anna de Noailles (1876-1933), born Anna Elisabeth Bibesco-Bassaraba de Brancovan, was a French poet and novelist of Romanian and Greek aristocratic descent. A prominent figure in Parisian literary society, she received the Academie francaise"s Grand Prix de Litterature in 1921 and later became the first woman appointed Commander of the Legion d"honneur. A desirable presentation copy of this French-language collection of poetry exploring love, grief, and the dignity found in enduring emotional suffering.  In a contemporary full calf binding by M. Albinhac, sympathetically rebacked with the original spine laid down, and with the publisher's original paper wraps bound in. Externally, very smart. Slight soiling with one or two marks and discolouration to perimeters of boards; the odd scattered spot to perimeters of rear board. Slight rubbing and bumping to extremities. Internally, firmly bound. Pages bright and clean with characteristic age toning, heavier to fore edge with one or two light spots. Author's inscription to half title. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: None. Very Good Indeed .