The White Paper - Jean Cocteau - 1958 - Illustrated by Cocteau - HC/DJ

Description: "The White Paper" by "Anonymous" [Jean Cocteau] - 1958 - With a preface and black-line illustrations by Jean Cocteau. Published by The Macaulay Company. 88 pages. Very Good Condition, almost certainly Unread, almost Like New. Dust Jacket has very minor shelf-wear. See photos. Previous owner's name and date written in red ink at top right corner of front facing page, reading "Larry G Palmer 1963". As a point of interest, the previous owner, Larry G. Palmer, was Professor of Harpsichord and Organ at the Meadows School of the Arts and University Organist at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas Texas, and who joined the SMU faculty in 1970. Read more about the distinguished career of Larry G. Palmer at the following link: https://s3.smu.edu/des/registrar/RetiredFaculty/?a=bio&pid=52&name=Larry%20Palmer "The White Paper" (or "Le Livre Blanc" in French) is a novel originally published under the pseudonym "Anonymous" in 1928, with the 1958 English edition credited to the same anonymous author but known to be by Jean Cocteau. This edition features a preface and illustrations by Cocteau himself, focusing on his unique style of black-line drawings that add a visual layer to the narrative. Plot and Themes:"The White Paper" is a semi-autobiographical work where Jean Cocteau explores themes of sexuality, particularly homosexuality, through the lens of his own life experiences. The narrative follows an unnamed protagonist who navigates his sexual identity from childhood into adulthood. The book delves into the protagonist's early crushes, one-night stands, and the societal rejection he faces due to his sexual orientation. Youth and Discovery: The protagonist recounts his early experiences with crushes and his first sexual encounter in a park near his father's house, highlighting the innocence and confusion of youth regarding one's sexual identity. Isolation and Society: The character's journey involves a search for acceptance, which he does not find in the broader society. This isolation leads him to retreat from societal norms, exploring themes of alienation and the struggle for self-acceptance in a time when homosexuality was not only taboo but criminalized in many places. Spiritual and Physical Exploration: There are scenes where the protagonist seeks spiritual guidance, only to find himself drawn back to physical desires, reflecting Cocteau's own life where he intertwined art, spirituality, and sexuality. Style and Artistry:Narrative Style: Cocteau's writing is noted for its poetic and almost dreamlike quality, blending confession with a kind of apology for the protagonist's life choices, which was also seen as a defense of homosexual identity at the time. Illustrations: The black-line illustrations by Cocteau are integral to the book, not merely as decoration but as an extension of the narrative. They are described as borderline erotic, adding depth to the text's exploration of human desire and identity. Cultural Impact and Reception:Historical Context: Published initially in a very limited edition, "The White Paper" was groundbreaking for its candid discussion of homosexual life at a time when such topics were deeply suppressed. The anonymity of the author was a protective measure, reflecting the societal constraints of the era. Literary Criticism: The book has been analyzed for its confessional nature and its role in the canon of queer literature. Critics like Frédéric Canovas have noted its significance in addressing gay identity as a social issue. However, opinions vary; some regard it as a frank and sharp depiction of gay life, while others, like poet Gregory Woods, have critiqued its erotic elements as somewhat pornographic or lacking in genuine eroticism. Editions and Translations: The 1958 edition was significant for bringing this work to an English-speaking audience, with a preface by Cocteau himself, which adds to the understanding of his intent and the novel's backdrop. The translation by Austryn Wainhouse captures the essence, though some find it somewhat awkward in places, potentially losing some of the original's nuance. "The White Paper" by "Anonymous" [Jean Cocteau] is an essential read for those interested in the intersection of art, sexuality, and personal identity in literature, offering insights into both a man's life and the cultural attitudes of his time. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Early Life:Jean Maurice Eugène Clément Cocteau was born on July 5, 1889, in Maisons-Laffitte, a suburb of Paris, France. He was the youngest of five children in a well-to-do family; his father, Georges Cocteau, was a lawyer and amateur painter, and his mother, Eugénie Lecomte, was from a bourgeois family. The death of his father in a bizarre accident (he was shot by his mistress' husband) when Jean was only nine years old profoundly affected him, shaping his views on life and death. Youth and Education:Cocteau was sent to the Lycée Condorcet in Paris, where he did not excel academically but began to immerse himself in the arts. He was more interested in drawing, poetry, and theater than in formal education, which he left at the age of 17. Early Career:Cocteau made his literary debut with the poetry collection "La Lampe d'Aladin" (1909) and quickly became known in Parisian artistic circles. His early works were heavily influenced by Symbolism, but he soon moved towards a more eclectic style, mixing elements of classicism, modernism, and avant-garde. World War I and After:During World War I, Cocteau served as a driver for the Red Cross but continued his artistic endeavors. His ballet "Parade" (1917), with music by Erik Satie and sets by Pablo Picasso, introduced him to a broader audience and was a defining moment in his career, linking him with the vanguard of European art. Versatile Artist:Cocteau was a polymath, known for his work in multiple fields: Literature: He wrote numerous poems, novels, essays, and plays. His novel "Les Enfants Terribles" (1929) and the semi-autobiographical "Le Livre Blanc" (1928), published under the pseudonym "Anonymous", are particularly notable. Theater: Cocteau wrote, directed, and designed sets for several plays, including "Orphée" (1926), which he later adapted into a film. Film: He was a pioneer in French cinema, both as a screenwriter and director. His most famous films include "La Belle et la Bête" (1946), "Orphée" (1950), and "Le Testament d'Orphée" (1960), which together form his "Orphic Trilogy", a poetic and surreal exploration of the myth of Orpheus. Visual Arts: Cocteau also expressed himself through drawing and painting, often incorporating his art into his books or stage productions. Personal Life:Cocteau's personal life was as colorful and varied as his art. He was openly homosexual at a time when this was risky, and he had several notable relationships, including with the actor Jean Marais, who became his muse and collaborator. His love life was tumultuous, marked by passions, friendships, and significant artistic partnerships. Later Years and Legacy:In his later years, Cocteau received numerous awards and honors, including election to the Académie Française in 1955, a rare accolade for someone known more for his avant-garde work. He continued to work prolifically until his death on October 11, 1963, in Milly-la-Forêt, where he had made his home. His death was caused by a heart attack, following a lifetime of substance use, particularly opium, which he described in his writings. Influence and Impact:Cocteau's influence spans across literature, theater, film, and visual arts. He was a central figure in the French avant-garde, bridging various artistic movements like Surrealism, Cubism, and Dada. His work has been celebrated for its aesthetic innovation, poetic depth, and the way it blurs the lines between different forms of art. Cocteau's legacy continues through his extensive body of work, which is studied for its artistic merit and its reflection on themes of love, death, and the human condition. His home in Milly-la-Forêt now serves as the Jean Cocteau Museum, preserving his memory and work for future generations. His ability to reinvent himself and his art made Jean Cocteau one of the most versatile and enduring figures in 20th-century art.

Price: 80 USD

Location: Dallas, Texas

End Time: 2025-02-15T04:30:06.000Z

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