The Pilgrim of Gascony - First Edition with Manuscript and Letters

Description

DERENNES (Charles) Der Pilger der Gascogne. Paris, The French Illustrated Edition, 1918. In-8°, half chagrin binding with corners, gilt top, cracked joints, wear to headcaps, fresh interior, in custom case (amateur), binding preserved, with all margins, XII-316 pages. First edition. Limited to 15 copies by Hollande, including the first seven not released to market; this is copy 7. Includes 4 fully handwritten leaves by the author from April 1914 (manuscript of the preface to this book) & 2 handwritten letters from the author to his friend Marcel, to whom he offers these 4 handwritten pages. Charles Derennes (1882-1930) was a French writer, son of historian Gustave Derennes and Marthe Cassan. Childhood in Villeneuve-sur-Lot, studied at Talence gymnasium near Bordeaux where he met poets Émile Despax and Marcel Gounouilhou. Completed bachelor's degree in 1899, pursued literary studies at the Sorbonne (degree 1903), frequented literary salons of Anna de Noailles and poetic evenings at La Plume magazine. Awarded the Archon-Desperouses Prize in 1907. Married Rosita Finaly (daughter of banker Hugo Finaly) on May 11, 1909; divorced January 19, 1911. Served as military nurse during World War I in southwestern France.