Description
DELAVIGNETTE (Robert).
Birama.
Paris: Gallimard, [1955]. — In-8, 185 x 116: 171 pp., (2 ff.), printed cover. Paperback.
First edition printed in February 1955.
In 1952, a meeting with a worker-priest in Royaumont inspired Robert Delavignette (1897–1976) — Director of Political Affairs at the Ministry for Overseas France — to a series of reflections on a changing world, which he explores in this book. Through two symbolic figures – Le Marianneux, a puddler at the Sainte-Colombe forge (a symbol of nascent industrial Europe), and Birama, an itinerant blacksmith from Niger (representing an Africa still rooted in craftsmanship, yet already affected by social upheaval) – the author captures the dynamics of human migration and the transformation of societies by industrial civilisation.
At the heart of his reflection lies the question of worker-priests, addressed with calm and detachment. Delavignette explores methods of evangelisation adapted to the realities of working-class life, whether in Europe, in Africa or elsewhere, drawing inspiration in particular from the legacy of the sons of Charles de Foucauld and the Little Brothers of Jesus, who were active at the crossroads of the Mediterranean world and the Sahara.
Blending narrative and essay, this book aims to foster an environment conducive to building human connections between Europe and Africa, to the ethics of interracial relations, and to a better understanding of the role of Christian missionaries in their commitment to workers throughout the world. (Excerpts taken from the blurb.)
Press copy, bearing the words ‘Second edition’ on the title page.
A precious copy belonging to Albert Camus, enhanced by this autograph dedication signed by the author on the half-title page:
To Mr Albert Camus, // with the tribute of my admiration, // Robert Delavignette
Very well-preserved copy, complete with the insert.
Provenance:
Albert Camus, with a dedication by the author.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
About the sale
Claude Mozis Library – Black Africa and the African diaspora
Auction location
Auction time
10/21/2026 at 2:00 PM
Lot description modified on 10/09/2026 at 11:19 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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