[DURAS (Marguerite)] - ROQUES (Philippe). The French Empire. Paris: Gallimard, [1940]. — 8vo, 228 x 143: 233 pp., (3 leaves, last one blank), 3 maps, printed cover. Paperback. First edition of Marguerite Duras’s first book, published under her real name, Marguerite Donnadieu, in collaboration with Philippe Roques. Noting that France has recently become aware of the value of its colonial empire—especially since the war—Philippe Roques and Marguerite Duras offer a comprehensive overview of Overseas France, considered for the first time as a vast unified entity. The book addresses colonial history (which is merely an echo of national history), the geography, military defense, and economic life of the Empire, while celebrating the dedication of the indigenous peoples and the heroic work of the pioneers (administrators, missionaries, doctors). Press copy, featuring an autographed dedication by Marguerite Duras: To // Governor General Boisson // this volume intended to // spread the idea of the Empire // even within the Empire. // Mr. Donnadieu // Philippe Roques. Includes the request for insertion. A fine copy, largely uncut.