"A GLIMPSE INTO THE LIFE OF A TORTURED SOUL WHO CRIES OUT IN LINES THAT EXCITE THE SENSES AND CAUSE US TO WONDER ABOUT THE DAILY NIGHTMARE OF ADDICTION"

COCTEAU, Jean. Opium. Journal d'une Desintoxication. Paris: Librairie Stock, [circa 1930]. Octavo, original pink printed paper wrappers. $475.

Third edition of Cocteau’s accounts of opium addiction, richly illustrated with the artist’s drawings.

Cocteau's long and painful addiction to opium "would lead Cocteau to many detoxifications, sanitarium stays, and bizarre hallucinations, that he would transform into extraordinary drawings… The drawings done under the influence of opium are a marvel. They allow us a glimpse into the life of a tortured soul who cries out in lines that excite the senses and cause us to wonder about the daily nightmare of addiction" (Emboden, 36). Opium, the journal of Cocteau's exhausting recovery, is illustrated with these drawings. Text in French.

Text bright. Repair to fragile paper spine, slight wear to original wrappers. Extremely good condition.