André Malraux // Les Chênes qu'on abat...
Paris, Gallimard, 1971
First Limited Edition
First Limited French Edition - One of 80 copies on Holland paper, before 310 on Vellum.
« Les Chênes qu'on abat… », published in English as “Felled Oaks : Conversation with de Gaulle”; a dialogue for History, that of Malraux and de Gaulle.
The title is inspired by Victor Hugo: "Oh! What a fierce noise they make at dusk / The oaks that are felled for Hercules’ pyre."
For the duration of a dinner, in the twilight of their lives, the two companions meet once more at La Boisserie, the General’s residence.
On April 28, 1969, following a lost referendum, General de Gaulle stepped down from power—he had announced his intention to resign in the event of a “No” victory, which indeed occurred.
The General then retired to his home in Colombey-les-Deux-Églises.
On December 11, 1969, André Malraux, the "Voice of Gaullism" and of the Resistance, who had founded the Ministry of Culture in 1959 and held various ministerial roles under de Gaulle, spent a day with him at La Boisserie.
They did not know it yet, but this would be their final meeting, from which Malraux would later draw this book. On November 9, 1970, General de Gaulle passed away at La Boisserie.
Reflections, memories, improvisations, and meditations…the General outlines his vision of the future, particularly of Europe. The two revisit essential concepts such as the People, the unity of France, the relationship between intellectuals and politics, democracy, and national ambition.
Offered in the same beautiful binding signed by Henri Duhayon, identical to the other books in the series. Cornered black half-morocco, gilt title (head) and date (foot), cover and spine preserved, lined case.
In perfect condition.
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