Through the Ark by Olga Martin first edition 1938

MARTIN, Olga. Through the Ark. Paris: The Obelisk Press, 1938.
 
First edition. Octavo, 155 x 215 mm. 198 pp. Original pale blue wrappers printed and illustrated in black. Very Good. Wrappers lightly toned and spotted with some minor rubbing and wear to the edges. Previous owner's name, "P. Ward", stamped to the first page, with a short closed tear from the upper edge of the same leaf. Internally otherwise clean and sound.
 
The author's first work in book form, described by the publisher as an allegory of the modern world. The story follows Longinus the giraffe as he enters an Ark populated by a succession of animals representing contemporary social, literary and cultural types. The satire ranges across card parties, literary circles and other aspects of fashionable society, with the publisher promising suave ferocity and little reverence for accepted figures.
 
Published in Paris by the Obelisk Press, the imprint founded by Jack Kahane and best known for issuing English-language books which were difficult to publish in Britain.