Francis PICABIA (1879-1953). Autograph manuscript signed, Le petit monstre, Paris May 28, 1945; 1 1/2 pages in-fol. "Naturally it had to end before the end, which allows me to end by giving reasons of space and time, hope and reasons and hopeless reasons. You've heard of the crazy man whose dream was honesty without remorse, without selfishness despite the laws of grown-ups. Now the woman on Monk Island wants to sleep. [...] I am the painter who knows the joy of misfortune. Everything now is wise and proper, yet his conscience is not at rest [...]. And it is the habit of reading l'île-aux-moines that can make you take for true the lie of this dream." Enclosed: Édouard ANDRÉ, Picabia, le peintre et l'aquafortiste (Paris, Eugène Rey, 1908; in-4, paperback). First monograph on Picabia, with 2 reproductions and 6 justified etchings. Small edition of 250 numbered copies (no. 230).