Description
VIAN (Boris).
I shall go and spit on your graves.
Paris: Éditions du Scorpion, [1947]. — In-8, 235 x 185: 201 pp., (3 ff., the last two blank), illustrated cover. Paperback, with a pasted-in flyleaf.
Gonzalo (Christelle) – Roulmann (François), *Anatomy of the Bison: A Chronological, Biographical and Bibliographical Study of Boris Vian*, p. 58.
Deluxe edition, published a year after the original, illustrated with 15 drawings by the artist Jean BOULLET (1921–1970), reproduced in black and white.
This famous novel by Boris Vian is linked to Africa through jazz (born of African culture transplanted to the United States), the condemnation of racism (which echoes colonialism in Africa), and Vian’s anti-imperialist commitment, closely aligned with African liberation movements. The work, centred on the rebellion of Black Americans, thus serves as a metaphor for anti-colonial struggles.
‘This deluxe edition is innovative in several respects: the text has been further revised by Boris Vian (featuring a new dedication, “To Senator Bilbo”, whilst the “Translator’s” preface has been omitted); Jean Boullet created an original layout and a substantial series of drawings, of which only fifteen were used in the final illustrations […] The first collaborative work between Boris Vian and an illustrator, this bibliophile’s edition was well received until the title was banned” (Gonzalo – Roulmann, *Anatomie du Bison*, p. 58).
Limited edition of 960 copies; this is one of the 930 on Alfa (no. 136).
Cover worn, a few tears but no pages missing. Scattered foxing. Without the slipcase.
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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