Acéphale Nos. 1-4
Paris: Acéphale, 1937-38. Large 8vos, each issue saddle-stapled in wraps, 3/4 a double number. With errata slip laid into the second number
The first four issues, lacking only the rare fifth number. Acéphale was the public review of the secret society of the same name, Each issue of Acéphale was illustrated on the cover with André Masson's drawing of a headless figure, inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci's drawing Vitruvian Man. The removal of the head was in part a reference to the decapitation of Louis XVI, an event which the Acéphale group celebrated in a ritual manner. Influenced by De Sade, Mauss, and Nietschze. The second number was devoted to the defense of Nietschze's legacy against fascism, including Bataille's attack on Elisabeth Förster-Nietzsche. Other contributors to the issues included Masson, Roger Caillois, Pierre Klossowski, Jules Monnerot, and Jean Wahl.
The wraps of the fragile first issue are mostly split along the spine, though still holding at the upper staple, with the usual toning, but otherwise clean and very good throughout. The other two issues are near fine with minor toning. Item #30269
Price: $3,000.00