BERNANOS (Georges). Sous le soleil de Satan. Paris : Librairie Plon, Plon-Nourrit et Cie, [1926]. - In-8, 200 x 130: (4 ff.), 363 pp., (2 ff.), printed cover. Bradel-style red half-maroquin with corners, smooth spine, untrimmed, cover and spine preserved (Alfred Farez). This famous novel is Georges Bernanos' first work, "in which not only the powerful style, but all the favorite themes of the great Christian writer were already asserted" (Dictionnaire des œuvres, 1980, VI, p. 231). A drama of sin and sanctity, Bernanos' novel, as the title suggests, is first and foremost a drama of possession and the threat Satan poses to the divine work. The author criticizes the modern world (and priests themselves) for no longer speaking of Satan, which, he says, is tantamount to denying the inner life. But for Bernanos, Satan is first and foremost a visible, carnal presence, perhaps a little too visible to completely win over the reader. On the other hand, Bernanos' heroes are defined solely in terms of temptation and salvation, so that all purely human psychology is all but eliminated" (ibid..), p. 232). One of 212 first copies on pur fil des papeteries Lafuma (n° CXX). Superb autograph letter signed by the author on the false title, addressed to Edmond Limbourg (1910-1992), lawyer at the Brussels Court of Appeal, vice-president of the Grandes Conférences Catholiques and a close friend of the author: for dear // Edmond Limbourg, // who has been for me, all // these days, a companion // so faithful, so thoughtful, so close to me //, so faithful, so thoughtful, so close to me //. so faithful, so thoughtful, so // delicate, and who for lack, // alas, of being able to remain my // providence, estera toujours // mon ami, // G. Bernanos // nov. 1946 Beautiful copy in contemporary binding signed by Alfred Farez. It is enriched with the trailer on green paper. Exemplaire très bien conservé.