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Lot #475
Andre Breton Hand-Corrected Typescript

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Estimate: $1000+
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Description

Hand-corrected typescript draft in French by Andre Breton for an article entitled "La Paix par Nous-Mêmes [Peace by Ourselves]," four pages, 8 x 10.5, no date but circa late 1940s. Breton begins by paraphrasing Charles Fourier, saying (translated): "The terrible events which marked the first part of the twentieth century are only trifles according to those who prepare. The world is approaching a catastrophe of such an order that one can hope that its mere apprehension will be enough to impose perpetual peace. There is nothing excessive in interpreting in this way both the repeated cry of alarm from atomic scientists and the irresistible mass movement triggered by the symbolic gesture of Garry Davis,” a peace activist who famously gave up U.S. citizenship in 1948 and declared himself a 'citizen of the world.'

Breton quotes Albert Einstein, to affirm the need to "change our way of thinking" and "remake human understanding," despite "conformisms from left and right," to move towards "the reorganization of humanity on a organic level," and eradicate “this drunken and still bloodthirsty nationalism…this rival imperialism of coca-cola and denatured Marxism.” Breton makes several handwritten corrections throughout the text. In fine condition, with slight corner creasing. A timely article from the important Surrealist thinker on the matter of world peace.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts
  • Dates: #635 - Ended May 11, 2022