RÁKÓCZI (Basil Ivan). In the beginning. Paris: [on the presses of the Circle of the White Stag], 1961. - In-folio, 423 x 328: (36 ff. penultimate white). In sheets, folder and publisher's case. Rare edition of one of the most beautiful illustrated books by the British painter Basil RÁKÓCZI (1908-1979). The artist offers 16 original full-page etchings, each numbered and signed by the artist. They accompany the text of Genesis according to the King James version of the Bible, also engraved by Rákóczi, who reproduced the handwriting in white and in slight relief on a grey background with irregular contours . Only 60 copies of the edition were printed on Arches wove paper, signed by the artist, the printer and the publisher. This one is one of the 50 numbered in Arabic numerals (n° 40); it is enriched with the justification of this autographed mailing from Rákóczi addressed to Jean-Michel and Margaret :To Jean Michel and Margaret // with love and blessing for the wedding // from your friend // Basil // 1963Example very well preserved despite a few scattered freckles .