Querelle de Brest by Jean Genet is one of his boldest and most famous novels. First published in 1947, it appeared in a limited edition of 525 copies, each illustrated by Jean Cocteau. This book is copy number 47/525.
The novel tells the story of sailors and criminals in the port of Brest. Genet explores violence, passion, betrayal, and forbidden love. His writing celebrates desire and danger, mixing poetry with raw realism. Querelle de Brest soon became a central work in his career, later inspiring both theatre and cinema.
This edition is enriched with drawings by Jean Cocteau. His line drawings are simple but powerful. With just a few strokes, Cocteau captures muscular male figures, often in erotic or suggestive scenes. The style recalls classical art, yet feels modern and daring. These images reflect the atmosphere of Genet’s text — stark, sensual, and uncompromising.
In 1947, publishing such material was risky. The combination of Genet’s provocative story and Cocteau’s erotic drawings pushed against social norms. Today, Querelle de Brest is recognized as a landmark of modern European literature and visual culture. It embodies the intersection of homosexual identity, art, and literature at a time when these subjects were taboo.
This edition measures 21.6 × 24.1 × 4.5 cm. It is printed on fine paper, typical of deluxe postwar publications. The condition is very good, with only minor signs of age.
The collaboration between Jean Genet and Jean Cocteau makes this edition of Querelle de Brest especially important. It is both a rare collector’s piece and a powerful artistic statement from two of France’s most daring creative figures.
