(Paris), Charlot, 1950. The limited edition of an essay on finding solitude in order to replenish the soul. "There are no more deserts. There are no more islands. Yet there is a need for them." Camus argues that one can find solitude in the city but not in the cities of Europe, which have too much history present at all times; he finds Oran, in his native Algeria, to be a city where one can find the needed solitude. The edition was 1343 copies in a number of issues: this is one of 120 copies reserved for the use of the author. Although issued as an unsigned edition, this copy is inscribed by the author: "a Nicole, et Jean Marie/ avec la fidele affection/ de leur vieux camarade/ Albert Camus." ["To Nicole, and Jean Marie/ with the faithful affection/of their old comrade/ Albert Camus."] The recipients were almost certainly Nicole and Jean-Marie Domenach, French intellectuals and friends of Camus, albeit with some philosophical differences. Jean-Marie was a noted left wing Catholic thinker, and while he and Camus were both vocal in protesting such activities as the French use of torture during the Algerian civil war, Domenach had considerably more sympathy for the socialist and communist governments of the time, which Camus found repugnant. It is interesting to note the comma in the inscription, as though the inclusion of Jean-Marie in the presentation was an after thought, or perhaps a necessity of politesse. Long after Camus had died, Jean-Marie Domenach provided a preface to a book of his thinking, Albert Camus and Christianity. Hope on Trial. This is copy number 848 of 120 copies in vellum, on Rives paper. The deluxe editions of this title turn up at auction with some regularity, but we were unable to find any instance of one of the author's copies in the market, and very few copies of this limited edition have ever turned up signed. Small chip to spine crown; very good in wrappers. A remarkable rarity, and a notable association copy. [#031349] SOLD