Sale 2514 - The Pride Sale, June 20, 2019

11 c ANDRE GIDE (1869-1951) Saül, Drame en 5 Actes [with:] L’Immoraliste. 2 volumes bound in one. Half-titles. Small 8vo, contemporary full tan morocco by René Kieffer, leather bas-relief sculpture by R. Prath set into front and back covers, top edges and turn-ins gilt; endpaper gutter with a few minor abrasions, some browning to contents chief ly confined to front and end matter of each title, original printed wrappers bound in (slightly tanned with two small closed tears). Paris: Société du Mercure, 1903; 1902. [7,000/10,000] first editions of the author ’ s first play and first novel , presentation copies , signed and inscribed by gide to actor Edouard de Max. The first title is the dedication copy bearing the following inscription on the half-title: “A Ed. de Max / avec l’admiration et l’affection / de son ami / Andre Gide / Aout 1903.” The second title also warmly inscribed on the half-title: “A Ed. de Max / son ami / Andre Gide.” Edouard de Max, who was out, was among the leading actors on the Parisian stage, frequently playing opposite Sarah Bernhardt. He was also a personal friend of Gide’s, who saw him as the ideal actor to play Saul, though the play would not be staged until 1922. Also includes an Autograph Letter Signed by de Max to an unnamed recipient (2 pp., dated 1918) tipped to blank prelim. A fine association, elaborately bound, and an excellent survival retaining the fragile wrappers.