Fine Books & Manuscripts

WRIGHT, Richard (1908–1960). –– [CAMUS, Albert (1913–1960), his copy]. A hitherto unpublished manuscript. N.p.: Strictly private circulation [Constance Webb], n.d. [ca 1946]. 8vo. Original mimeographed proof copy. Plain saddle stitched wrappers; glassine; custom niger folding box gilt. Provenance: Albert Camus (1913-1960), French philosopher and author (annotations). FIRST EDITION, LIMITED ISSUE, number 57 of an unstated edition, published by Wright’s biographer. According to Davis and Fabre, the edition comprised 100 copies, however, copies with numbers higher than 100 are known to exist, including a copy numbered 500 (though bibliographer Bill French notes, “it is doubtful that 500 copies were made”). The work comprises of 125 pages of Wright’s text for the second part of Black Boy, followed by 25 pages of Webb’s notes who Wright gave permission to publish this second part in a limited mimeographed edition. There are 2 notations in ink, “Mr. Albert Camus” and “57” and a pencil note, presumably in Camus' hand “1965 - Donee par Ellen Wright” (Richard Wright's widow). A REMARKABLE ASSOCIATION COPY. Davis & Fabre, pp. 144–145.