LEIRIS (Michel). The Rules of the Game. I. Deletions. — II. Trifles. — III. Fibers. — IV. Faint Noise. Paris: Gallimard, [1948–1976]. — 4 works in 4 in-8 volumes, 278 pp., (1 f.), printed cover; 239 pp., (2 ff.), printed cover; 292 pp., (1 f.), printed cover; 399 pp., (4 ff., last 2 blank), printed cover. Paperback; the first two volumes in a slipcase and dust jacket. First edition of this autobiographical tetralogy, published over nearly 30 years. “La Règle du jeu constitutes a vast autobiographical undertaking. While studying the phenomena of the marvelous and the sacred in the field, Leiris becomes his own field of observation. By exploring his childhood memories and creating a self-portrait, he questions what drives him to write and what it means to write about oneself. Should one say everything? How can one avoid distorting the truth? What are the consequences for real life? Biffures, Fourbis, Fibrilles, Frêle bruit: from 1948 to 1976, Leiris, expanding on his series of b, f, and r titles, set this phonetic trap for readers—one into which he himself delights in falling. “Language that ‘slips’ is a tool for experimenting with language. And the learning of language is a field for the autobiographer to explore” (presentation by Gallimard). In this work, Africa haunts the author’s writing: it appears through memories, reflections on the failure to truly know the other, and as a metaphor for his own work of self-portraiture. Press review copies. Each title is accompanied by an autographed note from the author: - “To Dr. Borel, // with faithful affection from // Michel Leiris” (Biffure). - “To Dr. Adrien Borel, // who helped me play // my part better. // Sincerely, // Michel Leiris” (Fourbis). - “To Jacques Farny, // warmest regards // from // Michel Leiris” (Fibrilles). - “To Marcel, // with the deepest affection. // Michel” (Frêle Bruit). *Fourbis* and *Fibrilles* include their “please insert” notes. The two copies dedicated to Adrien Borel are each preserved in a modern slipcase and cover. *Frêle Bruit* includes an autographed card from the author (“Kisses. Michel”). Stains and discoloration on the covers of the first three volumes.