Anthology of black humor

the Anthology of black humor is a Anthologie established by André Breton published for the first time in 1940. It introduces each author retained by a note locating it into the field which it itself defined in a foreword entitled “lightning conductor” in homage to an aphorism of Lichtenberg retained in his choice of texts: Bracket with paratonnerre.

Genesis of the project

At the beginning of the year 1935 Breton announces its project to the person in charge of the editions Sagittarius.

History of the editions

The first edition of 1940 is struck by the censure of the Régime of Vichy and the first specimens are diffused by it only starting from the middle of 1945. It is thus only in 1950 that Sagittarius proposes the work in a completely different format This edition is re-examined by Breton which removes certain texts or authors and in additions of others. In 1966 is published the final edition of the anthology at Jean-Jacques Pauvert which makes it possible Breton to finally be able to publish certain texts of Raymond Roussel whose Lemerre editions had prohibited the reproduction previously.

On the expression “black humor”

Breton seems to be the first to forge the expression “black humor” in the sense that it has from now on.

Authors of the final edition of 1966

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