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Lot of 2 Surrealist/Dada books - Original Editions with dedications by R. Valançay
€350
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An exceptional set of two works from the literary avant-garde, from the personal library of Robert and Françoise Chateau.
Both volumes include a handwritten inscription signed by their friend, the surrealist poet and translator Robert Valançay, playfully juxtaposing their names (Valançay with the Chateau couple).
1. Auguste Bolte – Kurt Schwitters (Jean Hugues Publishers, 1967) A witty dedication by Robert Valançay: “To Robert and Françoise Chateau, my friends. A little humor in passing, with the friendship of Robert Valançay.” A spirited inscription that resonates perfectly with Schwitters’s absurdist text, which he himself translated.
Specifications: Numbered copy 76 with the handwritten monogram “J.H.” of the publisher Jean Hugues. Frontispiece by Max Ernst.
2. Dark Spring – Unica Zürn (Pierre Belfond Publishers, 1971) Dedication by Robert Valançay: “To Robert and Françoise Chateau, with my warmest regards. Robert Valançay.”
Features: First French edition (translated by Valançay). Frontispiece by Hans Bellmer.
Provenance and significance of the lot: Both books bear the autograph inscription of Robert Valançay (1903–19..), poet and fellow traveler of the Surrealist group from 1926 onward, official translator and close friend of Max Ernst, Hans Arp, and Hans Bellmer—his correspondence held at the Getty Research Institute attests to direct links with André Breton, Paul Éluard, Man Ray, Yves Tanguy, and the entire Surrealist and Dada circle. Valançay notably translated Unica Zürn's *Sombre Printemps* and *L'Homme-Jasmin*, as well as Max Ernst's *Paramythes* and, later, a reissue of Schwitters's own *Auguste Bolte* (Galilée, 1980).
This set thus documents a close friendship between Valançay and the Château couple, through two works directly linked to his own Surrealist network: Max Ernst (frontispiece of *Auguste Bolte*) and Hans Bellmer/Unica Zürn (frontispiece and translation of *Sombre Printemps*). A rare, doubly documented, and coherent provenance that goes beyond the simple juxtaposition of two titles.
Condition: Good overall condition, original covers, paperback binding for both volumes.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsMulti ColorMaterialPaperNumber of items1Height22 cmWidth11 cmDepth1 cm
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Private sellerParis, FranceOn Whoppah since August 2026 • 0 sales