Paris, Gallimard, N.R.F., 1958.
8vo [187 x 118 mm], 316 pp., (2) ll. Preserved as published, untrimmed in its original wrappers.
First edition, limited to 155 numbered copies, of the “most charming” novel of Joseph Kessel.
Precious deluxe copy, one of 110 (n°96) printed on pure velin pur fil.
“Born in Argentina in 1898 from Russian parents, Joseph Kessel spent his childhood between the Urals and the Lot-et-Garonne, where his father settled down as a doctor. These cosmopolitan origins will earn him an immoderate taste for peregrinations across the world.”
Renowned writer and reporter, Joseph Kessel (1898-1979) also distinguished himself by going through two world wars and by enlisting in one of them as part of the Free French Forces. However, it was only after the publication of the novel Le Lion that the author received public recognition. He entered the French Academy in 1962.The author offers here a story of friendship between Patricia and King, a child and a lion, set in a wild animal reserve in Kenya.“Published in 1958, this book is one of the last novels of Joseph Kessel, a French writer of Russian origin. It is also one of the most charming. The tireless traveler, who is the author, takes us to Kenya, at the foot of Kilimanjaro, to a wild animal reserve. […] Lively and simple, this novel dealing with a nicely unusual subject, which is worth as much for the painting of this little girl – or rather this little woman – as for that of the touching and rough world of animals, is extremely endearing by its freshness.” (Dictionnaire des Œuvres, IV, 212).
Superb copy of this great childhood novel, preserved as published, untrimmed in its original wrappers, rare on large-paper.
