The Winter of Artifice by Anais Nin first edition 1939

NIN, Anais. The Winter of Artifice.
 
Paris: The Obelisk Press, [1939]
 
8vo, 289 pp., comprising the novellas "Djuna", "Lilith" (later retitled "Winter of Artifice"), and "The Voice". Original printed wrappers with Art Deco obelisk design in blue and black to front cover, publisher's device to rear; spine lettered in black. With glassine wrapper. Light creasing to spine with small splits at joint ends but holding firm; foxing and toning to wrappers and edges, more pronounced to rear; occasional spotting internally, otherwise clean. Some pages uncut. Contemporary ownership inscription to front free endpaper. About very good.
 
First edition of Nin's second published book, issued as part of the Villa Seurat series under the editorial direction of Henry Miller. Pearson's History of the Obelisk Press states "Winter of Artifice is a condensation of what were originally conceived as three discrete novels, in which Nin anatomises her relationship with Henry Miller and his wife june [Djuna], her relationship with her absent father, and her reliance on psychoanalysis and the interpretation of dreams to help her to understand her waking self. " It was almost certainly the last book published by Jack Kahane in his lifetime.
 
Copies in original wrappers, particularly retaining the glassine, are increasingly difficult to find in presentable condition.  [Pearson A-63]