La Flamme au poing
Paris, Albin Michel, 1917.
1 vol. (120 x 185 mm) of 224 p. and 1 f. In wrappers, in a box.
First edition.
Signed presentation inscription: “À toi, mon cher Jean [Ajalbert], avec ma plus dévouée affection, Henry Malherbe.”
Signed presentation inscription: “À toi, mon cher Jean [Ajalbert], avec ma plus dévouée affection, Henry Malherbe.”
La Flamme au poing is a war novel intended as an ardent testimony to the sacrifice of combatants. An infantry officer, Henry Malherbe produced a text marked by patriotic exaltation and lyrical fervor, in keeping with the spirit of resistance and enthusiasm of the period. Although the book left less of a mark on posterity than Barbusse’s Le Feu or Genevoix’s Sous Verdun, it illustrates well the jury’s wartime orientation: rewarding works that reflected the combatant experience and national unity.
The prize also helped strengthen the young publishing house Albin Michel, founded in 1902, for whom this was its first Prix Goncourt.
From the “Prix Goncourt” library of Gérard Pouguet, with bookplate.
#31113
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