The Secret Life of Salvador Dali (1948, limited edition)

This copy in a unique leather Surrealist binding

Author

Publisher

Printing Details

Limited edition (1000 copies). This copy in a unique Surrealist full leather binding, the boards with blue leather abstract shape inlays, and with gilt lined design again in a chaotic Surreal pattern. The spine with stylised free-form "Salvador Dali" horizontally, and set on a leather onlay echoing the Surrealist design of the boards, and giving the appearance of being in bas-relief. Pages edges dyed black, the endpapers with Rorschach-style marbled paper. The binding is unsigned which suggests it was an exhibition or commission binding. It is however, a unique copy of Dali's autobiography. 25.5 × 19cm, 423pp

Salvador Dali's The Secret Life of Salvador Dalí is less a conventional autobiography than a carefully staged performance of himself. Published in 1942, it traces his life from childhood in Catalonia through his rise as the most notorious figure of the Surrealist movement, ending in the years before the Second World War. The book is illustrated throughout with pen and ink sketches by Dali, as well as photographic plates of his work and inspirations.

Condition

This copy is in good condition. There is sunning to the spine and joints, and light spotting to the leather boards and a little surface abrasion to the rear boards. The gilt and inlay design to the boards is in good order, as is the onlay and lettering to the spine. The inner binding is secure bar a little wear at the title page and endpaper where rebound but this with inoffensive strengthening. The pages are clean, if a little age-toned in places, and with one page of off-setting where a newspaper clipping sat. The book is free from inscription and remains in strong readable condition.

Further images available on request.