Cocteau, Jean. (1889–1963)
“La Machine Infernale” - Autograph Manuscript with 2 Signed Letters
Autograph draft of the preface to the English edition of “La Machine Infernale." 4 pp., entirely in the hand of Cocteau, his signature at end cut away for use as a facsimile in the printed edition (as included). Together with 2 Autograph Letters signed to “Cher Monsieur”, 2pp., 8vo, St. Jean, Cap-Ferrat, 14th April & 15th October 1956, asking after some drawings ("I did the drawings of Louis - but where are they? And they've never been shown to Anouilh") and sending the above draft, lamenting his handwriting ("my handwriting is detestable..."). The three autograph pieces together with a fine copy of La Machine Infernale (London: G. Harrap & Co., 1957), the First English edition which includes the Preface of Cocteau, the reproduced cut away autograph signature, and a reproduction of the attractive bright Cocteau illustration which appeared as the cover on the original edition of the play."The Infernal Machine" is a play based on the ancient Greek myth of Oedipus, in which Cocteau applies psychoanalytical findings to transform Sophocles’ drama of the patricidal Oedipus into a modern, ironic work, widely thought to be Cocteau's greatest play. It received its première in Paris on October 4, 1934 under the direction of Louis Jouvet, likely the subject of the drawing mentioned by Cocteau in one of the present letters. (4964)
Manuscript Music Theater