L’Exil et Le Royaume.

CAMUS, Albert.

$2,000.00

Item Number: 146463

Paris: Gallimard, 1947.

First edition, Service de Presse-copy of Camus’ short story collection exploring themes of existentialism and absurdism, with “S P” perforated stamp at top of rear wrapper. Small octavo, original publisher’s stiff wrappers with titles in red and black. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the half title page, “a M. Claude Leslise en sirene hommage Albert Camus.” In near fine condition with some toning to the spine, front and rear panels, edges of the text block, a closed tear to the ‘Table’ page at the rear. Housed in a custom quarter red levant and patterned paper slip case and chemise by P. Goy & C. Vilaine. Rare and desirable.

This collection of six short stories covers the whole variety of existentialism, or absurdism, as Camus himself insisted his philosophical ideas be called. The six works collected in this volume include: The Adulterous Woman, The Renegade of a Confused Spirit, The Silent Man, The Guest, Jonas or the Artist at Work, and The Growing Stone. The final story most clearly manifests Camus' existential ideals with a protagonist who actively shapes his life in spite of receiving a deep insight into the absurdity of the world, and acting morally nevertheless.