Preserving visions of bliss

Edy-Legrand (1892-1970), Macao & Cosmage, ou, L’expérience du Bonheur [Macao & Cosmage, or The Experience of Happiness] (Paris: Éditions de la Nouvelle Revue Française, [1919]). Princeton’s copy is bound by Gérard Charrière. Gift of JoAnna Angle in memory of her husband, Charles Agle, Class of 1929. Graphic Arts Collection (GAX) Oversize NK8667.L37 L37f

Born in Bordeaux, Edy-Legrand (Édouard Léon Louis Legrand) studied at the École des Beaux Artes in Paris and the Art Academy in Munich. As an adult, he traveled extensively, living for a time in Morocco, but when this book was drawn and written, the artist was still in Paris only dreaming of exotic locations.

The story of the lovers Macao and Cosmage who lived an idyllic life on a secluded island touched many readers including E.M. Forster (1879-1970), who reviewed the book in glowing terms. Forster noted that in “the heart of each man there is contrived a magical island.” Just as Macao and Cosmage had to confront the modern world when a ship lands on their island, Forster draws a parallel in the way human beings preserve their moments and visions of bliss “from the thoughtless destructive reality.” — Abinger Harvest (1936). (Ex) 3743.5.3105