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Description
PAULHAN (Jean).
Jacob Cow the Pirate, or If Words Are Signs.
Paris: Au Sans Pareil, 1921. — In-16, 143 x 116: 61 pp., (1 f.), illustrated cover. Paperback.
First edition of this essay on language and words.
In it, Paulhan examines how words function as signs, conveying meaning but also harbouring pitfalls and ambiguities. This text builds on his earlier work on the Malagasy ‘hain-teny’, in which he had already explored the power of proverbs and linguistic formulas.
Limited edition of 550 copies. This one is one of the 500 printed on Lafuma vellum (no. 47).
A copy belonging to the poet Jean Royère (1871–1955), featuring this autograph dedication signed on the first blank page:
To Mr Jean Royère // with gratitude and // admiration from // Jean Paulhan
A small watermark at the top of the cover, some soiling. Interior in perfect condition.
Also included, by the same author:
- *Le Repas et l’amour chez les Mérinas*. [Montpellier]: Fata Morgana, [1970]. — 8vo, loose-leaf, bound cover.
Posthumous first edition, illustrated with 6 drawings by Bernard DUFOUR, reproduced in full-page black and white.
‘This text, found as a manuscript amongst the papers left by Jean Paulhan, and unpublished to this day, was no doubt written after his return from Madagascar, in 1912 or 1913’ (colophon).
Limited edition of 550 copies. One of the 50 first-edition copies printed on Arches paper, featuring an original engraving signed by the artist.
Very well-preserved copy.
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
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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