CÉLINE (Louis-Ferdinand). Ballets sans musique, sans personne, sans rien. Paris : Gallimard, [1959]. - In-8, 206 x 141 : 196 pp, (3ff.), illustrated cover. Paperback. Dauphin & Fouché, 59A1. First collective edition of this collection of 5 ballets by Céline, illustrated with 13 black compositions by Éliane Bonabel, including one on the title, repeated on the cover, and 12 full-page. Scandale aux Abysses" takes us to the depths of the sea: Neptune, with his stern eyebrow, leads a people of mermaids, fish and seals, alarmed by the ventures of fishermen. La Naissance d'une fée is set during the reign of Louis XV, and Voyou Paul, Brave Virginie brings Bernardin de Saint-Pierre's characters to life. Van Bagaden takes place on a dock, and Foudres et arèches takes us back among the gods: "In the chamber of Juno and Jupiter. The latter, still in a frightful rage... the generals around the bed, appalled... Who has dared to steal the thunderbolt?..." ". (please insert). La Naissance d'une fée, Voyou Paul, Brave Virgine and Van Bagaden were part of Bagatelles pour un massacre, published in 1937, while Foudres et flèches and Scandale aux abysses were published separately by Jonquières in 1948 and by Chambriand in 1950. This edition was not printed on large paper. This is one of the press copies, enriched with this autograph letter signed by the author on the first leaf, addressed to his friend Pierre Duverger (1920-1992): Meudon // A Duverger // LFCéline "Born into a modest family, Pierre Duverger attended the École des Chemins de fer in the thirties, but his first vocation was acting. Having escaped mobilization, he took part in the supervision of Chantiers de Jeunesse (youth work camps) at the start of the Occupation. At the same time, he performed in various music halls. He met his wife Geneviève in 1942 and settled in Montmartre. He met Céline in Saint-Malo, who helped him escape the Service du Travail Obligatoire and find a position with the Organisation Todt, in Jersey, in signals. In 1946, with his wife, he set up a small hand-weaving business. Later, he developed a passion for photography and turned professional, with his wife taking care of the printing side of the business. However, he pursued a career of supporting roles in theater and film, and in December 1957 undertook a raid in a 2CV to the Cape of Good Hope, for which he was awarded the Prix Citroën. Pierre Duverger's latest passion: publishing. In addition to a few confidential editions, he devoted himself in particular to republishing the texts of Gustave Le Bon" (Biographical note taken from Magazine littéraire, special issue 2022). Pierre Duverger is responsible for the only color photographs of Céline. Enriched with an autograph letter from Céline, signed "Destouches", 1 page in-4, addressed to Duverger, dated "Le 28" (December 1955, according to a pencil note), about photographs: "All these photos are admirable! I don't want to part with them before I have a few copies! Enclosed is an autograph envelope from Céline addressed to Pierre Duverger, with postmark dated February 15, 1957 and, on the reverse, Céline's wife's stamp, stating: "Lucette Almanzor / Danses classiques // 25ter, Route des Gardes, Meudon // Tel: Obs. 19-79. " Browning to cover. Provenance: Pierre Duverger, with dispatch from the author.