Phases

Tristan Tzara, Phases. Paris, Pierre Seghers Éditeur, 1949. First edition in the 'Poésie 49' series. 16mo, original publisher's wrappers with characteristic red label printed in black. Copy from the ordinary printing on vélin (copies 29-528), enhanced by a significant autograph dedication by the author: 'To Milena Milani with the pleasure of knowing her with all [my heart] / Tristan Tzara / Paris 7 July 1951'. The recipient, Milena Milani (1917-2013), was an Italian writer, poet and artist, a prominent figure in post-war literary avant-garde, friend of Ungaretti, Quasimodo and Tzara himself. This dedication documents a Parisian encounter between two protagonists of twentieth-century European culture. Poetry collection from Tzara's post-surrealist period, testimony to his evolution toward more meditative poetry. Good condition with normal signs of use. Provenance of great historical-literary interest.