YOURCENAR (Marguerite). Deep River, Dark River. “Negro Spirituals”: Commentaries and Translations. Paris: Gallimard, [1964]. — In-8, 217 x 146: 251 pp., (2 ff.), printed cover. Paperback. First edition of this work devoted to Negro spirituals, a form of vocal and sacred music that originated among Black slaves in the United States. The book is divided into two parts. The first traces the history and characteristics of the Negro spiritual. The second part presents translations of 149 songs or poems, organized into 7 sections: Slavery and Misery – The Old and New Testaments – Prayer and the Congregation – The End of the World and the Apocalypse – Death and the Promise of Heaven – Roundelays, Lullabies, Ballads, and the Blues – Songs of Freedom (1961–1964). One of 40 numbered copies on Lafuma-Navarre pure-fiber vellum (No. 33), the only edition printed on large-format paper. Very well-preserved copy.