Celle Qui N'Etait Plus [Diabolique]

Paris: Denoel, 1952. First French Edition (and correct first). INSCRIBED by Narcejac on the front endpaper and signed by Boileau just below. A French review copy, with the necessary PRESSE punch-stamp present on both the rear panel of the jacket and the book. An absolutely pristine, extraordinarily well-preserved example.

"Celle Qui N'Etait Plus" was the writing team's first effort, basis for Henri-Georges Clouzot's 1955 masterpiece, "Les Diaboliques" (or Diabolique), starring Simone Signoret. Before Clouzot had even finished making "Diabolique," Alfred Hitchcock had secured the rights to the duo's forthcoming book, which served as the basis for his masterpiece "Vertigo." A cornerstone film source title, only the second book signed by either of the authors we have ever encountered. Beyond even this, however, clearly one of the first copies of the title to have been handled by anyone.

Pages uncut. Fine in wrappers, in a Near Fine example of the rare dust jacket.

In a custom quarter-leather clamshell box.

Buss, French Film Noir. Criterion Collection 35. Grant US. Selby Masterwork US. Spicer US.

[Book #131411]