BATAILLE, Henry. Theater After the War. - Lot 34

BATAILLE, Henry. Theater After the War. Paris, Librairie Ollendorff, 1918. In-8 pamphlet, paperback, cover printed in black and red. 18 pp. Some soiling on the white cover, minor foxing. A rare offprint of this study, which served as the preface to the 41st volume of Edmond Stoullig’s series *Annales du théâtre et de la musique*. This copy is enhanced by a beautiful autographed dedication from the playwright to a young colleague, Marcel Thiébault (1897–1961), “who is among ‘today’s gifted’ and the triumphants of the future, —I am convinced of this.” Henry Bataille (1872–1922), whose theatrical work explores, through the lens of romantic relationships, the conflicts between the individual and society, pens here an almost prophetic text on the upheavals to come with “the Americanization of the land, wealth, and industry,” and the impact of progress and its revolutions that eliminate distances. His hope is unequivocal: “Let us be French [...] For love of one’s own country is by no means at odds with universal brotherhood!” A fine copy.