Jean Cocteau: original editions, illustrated books and inscribed copies

Notable first editions

Cocteau disowned his first three collections, La Lampe d'Aladin (1909, privately printed), Le Prince frivole (Mercure de France, 1910) and La Danse de Sophocle (1912). After Parade (1917), the ballet conceived with Satie, Picasso and Massine, came the avant-garde books: Le Coq et l'Arlequin (Éditions de la Sirène, 1918) features a portrait of the author and two monograms by Picasso.

Next came Le Potomak (1919), Thomas l'imposteur (NRF, 1923), Les Enfants terribles (Grasset, 1929), Opium (Stock, 1930), La Machine infernale (Grasset, 1934), followed by his plays at Gallimard, from Parents terribles (1938) to L'Aigle à deux têtes (1946). For these titles, the top copies on Japan, Holland or pure vellum command the highest prices. Note: Grasset also numbered the trade issue of Les Enfants terribles on alfa paper, so a number alone does not guarantee large paper.

Books illustrated by Cocteau

An indefatigable draughtsman, Cocteau published true books of drawings: Dessins (Stock, 1923), dedicated to Picasso, or Le Mystère de Jean l'oiseleur (Édouard Champion, 1925), a manuscript reproduced in photogravure with a suite of self-portraits, in limited edition. Opium likewise blends text and drawing. Occasional pamphlets also attract collectors: the brochure Théâtre Pigalle (Draeger, 1929) combines a preface by Cocteau in facsimile, photographs by Germaine Krull and a poster by Jean Carlu.

The final years saw his work in decoration: the Saint-Pierre chapel in Villefranche-sur-Mer (1957), the marriage hall of Menton town hall, and the Saint-Blaise-des-Simples chapel in Milly-la-Forêt (1959). The albums documenting these can be found for a few dozen euros.

Inscribed copies and drawings: proceed with caution

A copy inscribed with a drawing—profile or portrait—can multiply a book’s value; such drawings are also what forgers most often imitate. Demand provenance, compare with verified examples, and for an important drawing, seek the opinion of a specialist: Annie Guédras is the recognised authority on Cocteau’s drawings. A drawing reproduced in the book is not an original drawing.

The election to the Académie française on 3 March 1955 left an appreciated booklet: the Discours de réception de M. Jean Cocteau à l'Académie française et réponse de M. André Maurois (Gallimard, 1955), especially with inscriptions from both academicians.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a first edition of Cocteau worth?

Common copies of a title from the interwar period often sell for a few dozen euros. Large-paper copies, first printings, and inscribed or illustrated books can reach several hundred euros, more for important drawings or well-documented inscriptions.

How to verify a drawing or inscription by Cocteau?

A printed reproduction is often betrayed under magnification. Check the consistency of the date, recipient, and ink, and request the provenance of the copy. For an important piece, the opinion of an expert in Cocteau’s drawings is advisable.

What does “HC” on a copy mean?

Hors commerce: a copy printed beyond the regular run, reserved for the author, publisher, or press. Its value depends on the paper and, above all, on any inscription.

Do you buy books by Jean Cocteau?

Yes. The bookseller offers free estimates based on photographs of first editions, illustrated books, inscribed copies, and drawings; photograph the limitation statement and the full inscription.

To go further

• Our authors: all author pages in the bookshop.
• Pablo Picasso, collaborator on Parade and Le Coq et l'Arlequin.
• Collecting the surrealists, contemporaries and rivals of Cocteau.
• Autograph inscriptions: recognising, authenticating, and valuing a dedication.
• Estimation of modern illustrated books (1900–1960).
• The sections Literature and first editions and Surrealism, where several of our Cocteau items are housed, though he never belonged to Breton’s group.
• Sell and have your antiquarian books appraised.
• Theatre in antiquarian books: editions, programmes, inscriptions