EL TÚNEL - INSCRIBED

Buenos Aires: Editorial SUR, 1948. First Edition. A rare presentation copy of the Argentine author and physicist's second book and first novel, an existential classic centered around an insane painter, who narrates from his jail cell the story of his obsession with a woman he ultimately murders. Sabato (1911-2011) wrote the first draft in a Zurich train station, and turned the manuscript over to Adolfo Bioy Casares for editing. The process was somewhat contentious, and Sabato's manuscript was rejected by several publisher's before one of his friends lent him the money to publish it under the auspices of SUR magazine. After publication, the book found its footing both among the reading public and prominent literary figures like Graham Greene, Thomas Mann, and especially Albert Camus. In a 1949 letter to Sabato, the French-Algerian author thanked him for the novel, praising its dryness and intensity, and mentioned he had petitioned Gaston Gallimard to publish it, in hopes it would find the broader success it deserved in France. El Túnel would be the first Argentinian novel published by the venerable French publishing house, a move that would catapult Sabato into international fame. The first edition, produced in small numbers, sold out quickly, and is uncommon in commerce; the only other presentation copy we have traced (inscribed to Argentine author Francisco Luis Bernárdez) was offered in 2012. See: Rincón, Juan Camilo. 'El túnel': la importancia de una novela peligrosa.' El Tiempo, 21 September 2018). First Impression. Octavo (18.5cm); original printed wrappers with French flaps; [8],9-185,[3]pp. Inscribed by the author on the half-title page to Spanish publisher and gallerist Miguel Alzueta: "Para Miguel Alzueta / recuerdo de este viejo escribo / E. Sabato / Santos Lugares / Mayo de 2002." Modest wear to joints and extremities, some vertical creasing to spine, subtle tanning to text edges, and a few foxed spots to first and last few leaves; 2" tear to upper right corner of rear wrapper; Very Good and sound, housed in a custom clamshell case.