YOURCENAR (Marguerite). L'Œuvre au noir. Paris : Gallimard, [1968]. - In-8, 205 x 138 : 340 pp, (3 ff. last blank), printed cover. Black half-chagrin, boards made of a composition of black, red and white papers torn, smooth spine, cover and spine preserved, slipcase (Lars Strid). First edition of this novel telling "the story of a fictional character, Zeno, doctor, alchemist, philosopher, from his illegitimate birth in Bruges at the beginning of the 16th century to the tragic catastrophe that ends his life" (first flap of the cover). Copy on publisher's paper, enriched with this beautiful autograph letter signed by the author on the false title, written in red ink and addressed to the Swedish historian Gösta Säflund (1903-2004), specialist of ancient history: to Gosta Säflund // as a friendly tribute // this life of a philosopher // on the run through 16th century Europe // (and Sweden), // Marguerite // YourcenarNice copy in a later binding not signed but designed by Swedish bookbinder Lars Strid.