4to (310 × 242 mm). (6) ff., 72 pp., (7) ff. Binding of wooden boards with ink-brushed carved illustrations to both covers, smooth black spine with red-lettered title, grey suede endpaper and red suede pastedown; by Antonio.
American first edition. A mythic work by Françoise Sagan, recounting her experience of withdrawal following the near-fatal car accident of 1957. Already internationally known since Bonjour Tristesse (1954), Sagan was placed on Palfium 875 for three months during her recovery; Toxique is the journal of her struggle to break free from that powerful analgesic. Her publisher René Julliard showed the manuscript to Bernard Buffet, who elected to illustrate the journal with India-ink drawings, originally executed on thick card sheets.
A unique and striking copy, with one of Bernard Buffet’s illustrations carved into the wooden boards of the binding. The flexible wooden covers demonstrate an exceptional mastery of material and technique, making this example particularly desirable.
Upper right corner of the text block slightly bruised; otherwise in excellent, clean condition.
